Outdoor Grill Smoke Generation Control Using Cyclic Pellet Combustion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor grills and smokers lack advanced control features, limiting users' ability to customize cooking and smoking processes based on flavor, temperature, and smoke levels, restricting flexibility and precision in cooking outcomes.
Innovation Solution
An electronically-controlled outdoor grill system that allows remote operation and automatic adjustment of components such as combustible pellet addition, fan operation, and temperature control, based on predefined cooking profiles and patterns, enabling users to customize and monitor cooking processes from a mobile device or cloud service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual controls are used for outdoor grills and smokers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and precision of cooking control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic control system that includes a processor, memory, and communication interface. The controller receives cooking parameters from a remote device and automatically adjusts combustion, ventilation, and smoke generation, substituting mechanical dial controls with electronic sensing and actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote computing device as an intermediary between the user and the cooking system. The remote device allows users to input cooking parameters, select profiles, and monitor cooking processes without being physically present at the grill, mediating the interaction between user intent and appliance operation.
2Measurement precision
If basic controls are provided for ignition and temperature specification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where sensors continuously monitor temperature, combustion state, and smoke generation. The processor compares actual readings with target parameters from the cooking profile and automatically adjusts fuel delivery, air intake, and pellet feeding rates to maintain precise temperature and smoke control throughout the cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to pre-select cooking profiles and parameters before starting the cooking process. The controller pre-configures combustion rates, ventilation settings, and smoke generation parameters based on the selected profile, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during cooking and maintaining precision throughout.
3Productivity
If no remote control capability is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and cooking efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote computing device as an intermediary between the user and the cooking system. The remote device allows users to input cooking parameters, select profiles, and monitor cooking processes without being physically present at the grill, mediating the interaction between user intent and appliance operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic control system that includes a processor, memory, and communication interface. The controller receives cooking parameters from a remote device and automatically adjusts combustion, ventilation, and smoke generation, substituting mechanical dial controls with electronic sensing and actuation systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional controls are used without customization capability, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different cooking requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cooking profiles that allow real-time adjustment of cooking parameters. The system can modify temperature targets, smoke generation rates, and cooking durations based on user input or sensor feedback, enabling flexible adaptation to different food types, cooking methods, and user preferences throughout the cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple cooking functions and profiles through a single interface. The processor can execute different cooking algorithms for grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking, all controlled through the same electronic system and remote interface, providing universal control capability across diverse cooking requirements.
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
Enables precise control over cooking processes, allowing users to achieve consistent results across various conditions, ensuring precise end products regardless of time, temperature, or environmental factors, with enhanced user involvement and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
adds a specified amount of combustible pellets to a combustion area within the outdoor grill, such that the combustible pellets begin to burn
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to smoking food in an outdoor grill using a customized smoking routine. In one scenario, an electronic controller of an outdoor grill receives an input to initiate smoke generation according to a specified smoke generation pattern, including: adding a specified amount of combustible pellets to a combustion area within the outdoor grill, such that the combustible pellets begin to burn, measuring a current internal temperature of the outdoor grill and, if below a threshold value, adding a specified amount of additional combustible pellets to the combustion area sufficient to raise the temperature to another threshold value, allowing the internal temperature to cool a temperature below the first threshold value and, upon determining that the temperature of the outdoor grill has cooled below the first specified threshold value, adding additional combustible pellets to the combustion area sufficient to raise the temperature to at least the second threshold value.