Multi-Mode Cooking System with Lid-Detected Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices are limited to single cooking operations, requiring multiple devices for various cooking modes, which is costly and space-consuming, necessitating a multifunctional cooking system that can perform multiple cooking operations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A cooking system with a housing and lid that includes multiple heating elements and a rotational air movement device, allowing operation in conductive and convective cooking modes, with interchangeable lids and inserts for various cooking functions, enabling transformation between modes without removing food.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cooking devices are used to perform different cooking operations, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost and storage space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking devices (pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, steamer) into a single integrated cooking system. The system uses a common housing, heating element, and control mechanisms that can operate in different modes to achieve various cooking functions, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed and optimizing storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The heating element can operate in different modes (conductive and convective), the lid can be configured for different cooking types, and the control system can manage various cooking programs, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized cooking appliances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cooking devices are used to perform different cooking operations, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooking devices (pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, steamer) into a single integrated cooking system. The system uses a common housing, heating element, and control mechanisms that can operate in different modes to achieve various cooking functions, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed and optimizing storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking system is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The heating element can operate in different modes (conductive and convective), the lid can be configured for different cooking types, and the control system can manage various cooking programs, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized cooking appliances.
3Device complexity
If the cooking system operates in both conductive and convective modes with the same housing and heating element, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of each cooking mode may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking system employs dynamic configuration where the lid can be moved between different positions and configurations depending on the cooking mode. The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the selected mode, allowing the same physical components to reliably perform different cooking functions by changing their state or configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each mode.
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 integrates multiple cooking functions into a single device, reducing cost and storage needs while providing versatile cooking capabilities, including pressure cooking, air frying, and dehydrating, with enhanced user experience through efficient energy use and space optimization.
Implementation Method 1
in the conductive cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a conductive cooker
Implementation Method 2
in the convective cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker
Implementation Method 3
a rotational air movement device coupled to at least one of the housing and the lid, wherein during operation of the rotational air movement device, the rotational air movement device is operable to rotate at a plurality of speeds
Implementation Method 4
an air diffuser configured to impart rotation to the air circulating through the hollow interior
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system comprising: a housing defining a hollow chamber configured to receive a food container, said housing having an upper portion defining an opening to said hollow chamber; at least one lid movable relative to said housing; and at least one heating element associated with at least one of said housing and said at least one lid; at least one detector for detecting a configuration of said at least one lid; wherein the cooking system is operable in a plurality of cooking modes, operation of a particular cooking mode being dependent on a detected configuration of said at least one lid by said at least one detector.