Mixing Chamber Stirring and Heating Control to Prevent Food Burning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food processors lack the ability to automatically adjust agitator speed and heating power in real-time based on measurement data, failing to replicate the manual preparation techniques used in conventional cooking vessels.
Innovation Solution
The food processor automatically adjusts agitator speed and heating power by determining reduced speed and heat output from measurement data related to the mixing vessel, food, and agitator drive, simulating manual stirring and heating phases with variable ratios of stirring and heating times based on recorded data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed predetermined stirring phases are used, then the device structure is simple, but the cooking process cannot be adapted to real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives signals from sensors (temperature sensor, load sensor, optical sensor) that monitor the cooking process in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the agitator speed and heating power during the cooking cycle, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of cooking parameters based on sensor data. The control unit autonomously modifies the cooking program by changing agitator speed and heating power levels according to the detected state of the food and cooking conditions, making the system self-regulating.
2Ease of operation
If manual stirring phases are simulated, then cooking quality improves, but automation extent decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical stirring with an automated agitator driven by an electric motor. The control unit programmatically adjusts the agitator's rotation speed and timing to simulate the effect of manual stirring, eliminating the need for actual manual intervention while maintaining cooking quality.
3Productivity
If heating power is continuously high, then cooking speed increases, but burning risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic variation in heating power during the cooking process. By alternating between high and low power phases and incorporating pause periods, the system maintains high overall cooking speed while preventing continuous high heat exposure that would cause burning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the heating power parameter during cooking based on sensor feedback. The control unit adjusts the power level from the heating element in response to temperature readings and cooking stage, transitioning between different power levels to optimize both speed and prevent burning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This allows for food preparation similar to manual methods in conventional cooking vessels, ensuring proper cooking and preventing burning by dynamically adjusting stirring and heating phases according to detected conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the mixing vessel being heatable in its lower region
Implementation Method 2
heating phases with increased heating output to heating phases with reduced heating output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The appliance (1) has a drive (6) for driving a stirring unit (5) in a stirred vessel (4), where a lower region of the vessel is heatable. An adjustment unit automatically adjusts stirring phases by stirring interrupting phases with respect to speed, where reduced speed is determined according to measuring data corresponding to the vessel, cooked food in the vessel or a drive of the stirring unit. The adjustment unit automatically adjusts heating phases by heating interrupting phases with respect to heat output. The stirring unit is provided with a lifting arm (15). An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a kitchen appliance.