Mixing Chamber Stirring and Heating Phase Control for Consistent Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen appliances, such as food processors, face challenges in maintaining reliable cooking performance due to reduced speed and heating output, which can lead to inconsistent food preparation, similar to manual cooking methods, by dynamically adjusting agitator speed and heating power based on real-time measurement data to simulate manual stirring and heating adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The appliance adjusts agitator speed and heating power by regulating the temporal ratios of stirring and heating phases based on recorded measurement data, including motor current and temperature values, to ensure consistent food preparation, with automatic adjustments in stirring time, pause time, and heating cycles to maintain optimal cooking conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the agitator speed and heating power are reduced to simulate manual preparation, then the cooking process becomes more similar to manual methods, but the reliability and consistency of food preparation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the agitator speed and heating power adjustable and variable during the cooking process. The control unit dynamically modifies operational parameters based on detected cooking states, allowing the system to transition between different preparation modes (manual-simulation and consistent automated cooking) rather than being fixed at a single reduced speed setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor cooking parameters (temperature, agitation effectiveness) and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts agitator speed and heating power accordingly, ensuring reliable and consistent food preparation while maintaining the ability to simulate manual methods when desired.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the agitator drive operates at reduced speed phases, then energy consumption decreases, but the cooking time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing alternating phases of increased and reduced agitator speed and heating power. This cyclical operation pattern allows the system to achieve effective mixing and cooking results while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation, as the reduced phases consume less energy while the increased phases ensure adequate cooking progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting agitator speed and heating power levels based on cooking requirements and detected states. The control unit modifies operational parameters in real-time, switching between high and low power states to optimize the balance between energy consumption and cooking productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurement data are recorded and processed, then the control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control unit that performs multiple functions: it processes various measurement data (temperature, agitation effectiveness, power consumption), determines cooking states, and adjusts operational parameters. This multi-functional approach achieves high control precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control unit handles diverse tasks rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 solution allows for precise control of cooking processes, mimicking manual preparation techniques, ensuring reliable food preparation by dynamically adjusting speed and heating power, thereby preventing overcooking and maintaining optimal cooking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
design of the mixing vessel base with an integrated electrical resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
induction heating is provided which acts on the food to be cooked in the mixing vessel via the wall of the mixing vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.