Mobile application for controlling outdoor grill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances like grills and smokers require manual operation and have limited remote control capabilities due to range limitations of Bluetooth radios, restricting users' ability to control functions and access information from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A software application that provides a user interface for controlling electronically-controlled appliances, allowing users to communicate with remote computing systems to send instructions to the appliances for functions such as temperature control, cooking cycles, and fuel management, enabling remote operation through a mobile device or cloud service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth radio is used for remote control, then wireless communication capability is improved, but control range is limited and user must be within proximity of the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module that can operate through multiple communication protocols and ranges, acting as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the grill controller. This intermediary extends the effective control range beyond Bluetooth limitations by supporting Wi-Fi and other long-range wireless protocols, allowing users to control the grill from greater distances without being physically proximate to the appliance.
2Device complexity
If manual controls are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user must be present at the grill to make setting changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls (dials, knobs, and buttons) with an electronic control system that includes a controller, wireless communication module, and mobile application interface. This substitution eliminates the need for physical presence at the grill by allowing users to adjust settings remotely through a smartphone or tablet, while the electronic system automatically translates these remote inputs into appropriate control signals for the grill's burners and other components.
3Manufacturing precision
If electronic controls with solenoids are used, then precision of gas flow regulation is improved, but user must still be physically present to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical interaction with electronic controls by implementing a wireless communication system that connects the grill's electronic controls to a mobile device. Users can remotely adjust gas flow precision through the mobile application, which sends digital signals to the controller, which then actuates the solenoids with precise control. This maintains the precision benefits of electronic solenoid control while eliminating the requirement for physical presence at the appliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to controlling an electronically-controlled appliance using a software application and providing a user interface for controlling an electronically-controlled appliance. In one scenario, a computer system receives an indication from a remote computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is communicably connected to the remote computing system. The computer system provides a notification in the software application indicating that the electronically-controlled appliance is available to receive instructions, and receives a user input at the software application indicating that certain functions are to be performed by the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system further generates instructions configured to control the electronically-controlled appliance based on the functions specified in the received user input, and sends the generated instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions. These functions are then interpreted and carried out on the electronically-controlled appliance via the hardware controller.