Modular Pressure Cooker with Detachable Wireless Control Modules
Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic pressure cookers are complex and intimidating for average users, making it difficult to utilize them optimally, and existing attempts to simplify them with electronic control systems face challenges due to safety and industrialization constraints.
Innovation Solution
A domestic food cooking system with a pressure cooker equipped with a pressure regulating valve and an independent telecommunications module and timer module that can be attached and detached, allowing for wireless communication and operation assistance via a smartphone or other computer terminal, enabling both autonomous and computer-assisted modes of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure cooker is equipped with multiple control functions (decompression control, pressure regulation, timing), then cooking functionality and precision are improved, but device complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent functional modules: a pressure regulation valve for maintaining set pressure, a decompression device for pressure release, and a programmable timer for automated timing. Each module operates independently with its own control mechanism, allowing the system to provide comprehensive cooking functionality while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure cooker incorporates automatic control mechanisms where the pressure regulation valve automatically maintains pressure at predetermined levels, the decompression device automatically releases pressure when conditions are met, and the programmable timer automatically controls the cooking process. This self-service capability reduces the need for continuous manual intervention, simplifying operation despite multiple functions.
2Ease of operation
If electronic control systems are added to simplify user operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity, safety risks, and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone application as an intermediary between the user and the pressure cooker's control system. The app communicates with the pressure cooker via wireless connection, providing an intuitive graphical interface for setting cooking parameters, monitoring progress, and controlling functions. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while keeping the actual control mechanisms simple and reliable, avoiding the need for complex embedded electronics in the pressure cooker itself.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple control functions are integrated into the pressure cooker, then cooking precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and industrialization become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure cooker employs a universal pressure regulation valve that can maintain pressure at multiple predetermined levels (e.g., 15 psi for vegetables, 30 psi for meats) without requiring separate valves for each function. The decompression device serves multiple purposes: automatic decompression at the end of cooking cycles and manual decompression when needed. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve precise cooking control across different food types while using standardized components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
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 provides a simple, ergonomic, and safe cooking experience, allowing users to choose between fully autonomous and computer-assisted modes, enhancing usability and safety while maintaining a compact and reliable design.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure regulating valve making it possible to maintain the pressure in the enclosure at a predetermined setpoint level
Implementation Method 2
The operation of these known pressure cookers is governed by different organs... intended to be subjected to the influence of a heating source (such as a hob, for example) so as to allow the rise in pressure and temperature of the enclosure
Data Source
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AI summary
- The invention relates to a cooking system comprising a pressure cooker (1) equipped with a regulating valve designed to maintain the pressure at a set value, said system being characterized in that it comprises a telecommunications module (11) and a timer module (12), said pressure cooker (1), telecommunications module (11) and timer module (12) having complementary attachment means (13A, 13B, 13C) allowing said telecommunications module (11) and timer module (12) to be attached alternatively and removably to the pressure cooker (1). - Pressure cooking appliances.