Multi-Zone Food Cooking Device with Downloadable Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional meal preparation involves significant manual effort and reliance on skill and experience, as it requires manual regulation of heat sources and synchronization of cooking times for multiple food items, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A food cooking device equipped with a microprocessor that allows for downloading and controlling cooking process data, enabling automated cooking by selecting and processing energy supply parameters for each heat source, reducing the need for manual intervention and skill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual regulation of heat sources and synchronization of cooking times is used, then cooking control flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking device automatically regulates heat sources and synchronizes cooking times without manual intervention. The control system independently manages multiple heating elements, adjusting power supply and timing based on stored cooking programs, thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooking parameters, heat regulation patterns, and synchronization sequences are pre-programmed into the control system before cooking begins. The device retrieves and executes these predetermined instructions automatically, allowing the cooking process to proceed without real-time manual decision-making or adjustment.
2Productivity
If automated control with microprocessor is implemented, then cooking time is reduced by 75%, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an electronic microprocessor-based system. The microprocessor automatically manages heat source regulation, timing synchronization, and cooking sequence control, substituting complex manual coordination with automated electronic decision-making and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it regulates individual heat sources, synchronizes cooking times across multiple elements, stores multiple cooking programs, and adapts to different cooking scenarios. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical control mechanisms into a single integrated system.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual control of energy supply to each heating means is implemented, then cooking precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the cooking device into independently controllable segments, with each heating element having its own control channel. The microprocessor manages each heating means separately, allowing precise individual regulation of power supply and timing for each zone without requiring complex interconnections between control mechanisms.
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 solution simplifies meal preparation, reduces the time and skill required, and allows for flexible adaptation to different cooking devices and food sizes, achieving up to 75% reduction in cooking time and 40-50% lower energy consumption compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat sources for heating a respective food item... an electric heating element in direct contact with a food item in a cooking pot
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a food cooking device (300) having a plurality of heating means (301a-301d) for heating a respective food item. The device is provided with control means (302) arranged to individually control energy supply to each of the heating means (301a-301d). According to the invention the device (300) includes a microprocessor (303) with downloading means (304) arranged to download a set of food cooking process data. The control means (302) is arranged to control the energy supply in response to the downloaded set of food cooking process data. The invention also relates to an electronic library (600) having a plurality of information units, which are arranged to be downloadable from external users. According to this aspect of the invention each information unit includes a set of food cooking process data. Each set includes at least two food item cooking instructions. Each food item instruction includes data defining a food item and one or more groups of operation parameters. Each group of operation parameters includes energy supply data and related time duration data for heating means in a cooking device. The invention also relates to a method for cooking food and to a method for providing food cooking support.