Modular Pressure Cooker Control With Removable Timer and Wireless Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household pressure cookers are complex and daunting for users, posing a risk of suboptimal usage due to their manual operation and lack of ergonomic design, which complicates achieving the full benefits of pressure cooking, especially in safety and intuitive operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooking system that includes a pressure cooker with a pressure regulator valve and an independent telecommunications module and timer module, allowing for wireless communication and interchangeable operation modes, providing intuitive and ergonomic use through a smartphone app or standalone operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control means are provided for pressure regulation and decompression, then the pressure cooker can be operated without electronic systems, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure cooker automatically detects when cooking is complete using pressure and temperature sensors, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. The system self-regulates pressure during cooking and automatically initiates decompression sequences, allowing the device to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic sensors continuously monitor pressure, temperature, and valve positions, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustments to maintain safe operating conditions and coordinate decompression timing, replacing manual gauge-reading and decision-making with automated closed-loop control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single pressure cooker, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases making it daunting for users
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure cooker integrates multiple functions including pressure regulation, temperature monitoring, automated decompression timing, and electronic control within a single device. The control system can operate in different modes (automatic, manual, timed) and the decompression mechanism serves both safety and cooking completion functions, making the device universally applicable to various cooking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: pressure sensing, temperature sensing, control logic, and actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the user interface by presenting only necessary controls, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If automated electronic control systems are added to simplify operation, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system automatically monitors cooking parameters and manages the decompression process without user intervention. The microcontroller reads sensor data, determines when cooking is complete based on pressure and temperature thresholds, and activates the decompression mechanism autonomously, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system acts as an intermediary between the physical cooking process and the user. Instead of requiring users to interpret pressure gauges and manually coordinate decompression, the control system translates sensor readings into automated actions, mediating the complex interactions between pressure, temperature, and timing.
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
The system simplifies and enhances the usability of pressure cookers by offering intuitive, safe, and ergonomic operation, allowing users to choose between stand-alone and computer-assisted modes, ensuring reliable and efficient cooking regardless of smartphone availability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure regulator valve designed to maintain the pressure prevailing in the pressure cooker substantially at a setpoint value
Implementation Method 2
capable, when it is fastened to the pressure cooker, of transmitting at least one signal relating to operation of the pressure cooker to an independent computer terminal via a wireless link
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a cooking system that includes a pressure cooker provided with a regulator valve designed to maintain the pressure at a setpoint value, a telecommunications module, and a timer module, the pressure cooker, the telecommunications module, and the timer module being provided with complementary fastener means making it possible to fasten the telecommunications module and the timer module to the pressure cooker as alternatives and in a removable manner.