Mobile application for controlling outdoor grill
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor appliances, such as grills and smokers, lack remote control capabilities beyond a limited range and do not integrate with external information or control signals, requiring users to be physically present for operation and offering limited control options.
Innovation Solution
A software application that enables remote control of electronically-controlled appliances through a user interface, allowing communication with cloud services and other systems, enabling users to control functions like temperature, fuel burn rate, and cooking cycles from any internet-connected device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If Bluetooth radio is used for remote control, then control range is extended beyond direct contact, but user must still be within limited proximity of the appliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary between the outdoor appliance and the user's mobile device. The appliance communicates with the server via any available network connection (WiFi, cellular, etc.), and the server relays commands and data to the user's device over the internet. This intermediary architecture eliminates the need for direct short-range communication, allowing users to control the appliance from anywhere in the world.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic controls are integrated into the appliance frame, then control functionality is provided, but user must be physically present at the grill to make changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the appliance can be controlled autonomously via remote commands. Users can set cooking parameters, monitor status, and adjust settings without physically being at the appliance. The appliance receives and executes commands remotely, and can even autonomously report its status and receive updates to its control parameters without user intervention for each action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If basic Bluetooth communication is implemented, then some remote control is possible, but control options are very limited and appliance has no access to external information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication architecture where the appliance can access any available network interface (WiFi, cellular, Bluetooth) to connect to the internet through a network server. This enables the appliance to perform multiple functions beyond basic control, including accessing weather information, recipe databases, social media integration, and other external resources. The system becomes multi-functional, serving as a control interface, information display, and communication hub.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.