Multi-Component Oven Cooking Method with Automated Step Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing oven cooking methods for multi-component dishes require users to manually manage and monitor multiple cooking steps, including temperature control and component addition, which is cumbersome and increases user workload, especially when combining different cooking processes like steaming and hot air or grilling.

Innovation Solution

A method where pre-stored cooking programs for multi-component dishes with multiple steps are selected, with the oven guiding the user through each step via display and acoustic signals, ensuring seamless transitions between cooking processes like steaming and hot air or grilling, allowing components to be added or temperature conditions met automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user manually manages and monitors multiple cooking steps including temperature control and component addition, then the cooking process can be completed, but the user workload increases and the process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser workloadVSAvoidcooking process management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oven system automatically monitors cooking progress, tracks temperature, and manages multiple cooking steps without requiring continuous user intervention. The controlling unit autonomously coordinates between different cooking modes (steaming, hot air, grilling) and notifies the user only when actions are needed, making the system serve itself rather than requiring the user to manage the entire process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors cooking parameters such as temperature and cooking progress, then provides feedback to the user through the display unit and acoustic signals. This feedback mechanism allows the user to understand the current state without constantly checking, and the system automatically adjusts based on sensor data to maintain optimal cooking conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the oven integrates multiple cooking functions (steaming, hot air, grilling) to prepare different dish components, then the cooking versatility improves, but the complexity of coordinating these functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking function versatilityVSAvoidcooking process coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking process is divided into discrete steps, each associated with a specific cooking mode (steaming, hot air, grilling). The controlling unit manages these segmented steps sequentially, with each step having defined parameters and duration. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple cooking functions without overwhelming complexity, as each function is independently controlled and coordinated through the program structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oven is designed with multiple cooking functions (steaming, hot air circulation, grilling) that can be used individually or in combination. The controlling unit provides a universal interface that manages all these functions through a single program selection, allowing the same device to perform diverse cooking tasks without requiring separate control mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the user must monitor and input multiple parameters (cooking time, temperature, component addition timing), then the cooking precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking parameter precisionVSAvoidparameter input and monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

All cooking parameters (time, temperature, sequence of operations) are pre-programmed into the controlling unit for each cooking program. The system automatically executes these pre-defined parameters without requiring the user to manually input or monitor each one during the cooking process. This preliminary preparation of data eliminates the need for continuous user intervention while maintaining precise control over cooking conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method significantly reduces user interaction and error by automating the cooking process, ensuring all dish components are cooked to completion simultaneously with minimal user input, simplifying the handling of complex multi-step cooking processes.

Implementation Method 1

In this oven hot water steam is used to cook the dish

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSteam cooking: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

hot water steam is used to cook the dish

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

roasting the meat using a grilling function or hot air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot air cooking: Convection

Implementation Method 4

roasting the meat using a grilling function or hot air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrilling: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2902711B1Method for preparing a dish in an oven
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2902711B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2902711B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for preparing a multicomponent dish or set meal in an oven (1), especially in a domestic oven, which has a steaming function and which has a cooking cavity (2) with a door (3), a controlling unit (4), a storage unit (5), an input unit (6) and a display unit (7), wherein the preparation of the dish comprises at least two cooking steps (I, II) and wherein at least one of the cooking steps (II) is a steaming of the dish. To facilitate the preparation of a set meal in such an oven, the invention proposes the following steps: a) Selecting of a cooking programme for said multicomponent dish or set meal stored in the storage unit (5) by an user, which comprises at least a first cooking step (I) and a second cooking step (II); b) Putting a first dish component, such as e.g. meat, into the cooking cavity (2) and carrying out of a first cooking step (I) after triggering of the cooking process by the user; c) Outputting of an instruction to the user by means of the display unit (7) after finishing of the first cooking step (I) to put a second dish component, such as e.g. potatoes and vegetables, into the cooking cavity (2); d) Fulfilling the instruction by the user; e) Triggering the continuation of the cooking programme by the user; f) Carrying out of a second cooking step (II), wherein said second dish component, such as e.g. potatoes and vegetables, does not require the first cooking step (I) for cooking.