Oven Platform Auto-Positioning for Uniform Heating and Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking appliances require significant user intervention and knowledge to achieve proper cooking results, leading to inefficiencies and potential for errors such as burnt or undercooked food due to manual temperature control and fixed oven rack configurations, which result in uneven heating and energy waste.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically adjust the distance of a food item from heating elements within the cooking chamber based on real-time temperature distribution and cooking requirements, utilizing a moveable food support platform to maintain optimal temperatures and reduce energy consumption by utilizing preheating and ramp-down stages for efficient cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed oven racks are used, then device structure is simple, but temperature distribution is non-uniform and cooking precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed oven racks into moveable platforms that can automatically adjust their positions. The system includes a moveable platform with motors and controllers that dynamically reposition food items between different temperature zones within the oven chamber, enabling the structure to adapt to varying cooking requirements while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device design.
2Device complexity
If manual temperature control is used, then device complexity is low, but cooking precision and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors distributed throughout the oven chamber that continuously monitor temperature at multiple locations. The controller receives this temperature data and automatically adjusts heating element power and platform positions to maintain optimal cooking temperatures, achieving precise temperature control while managing system complexity through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the oven to automatically manage its own cooking process without continuous user intervention. The controller autonomously adjusts heating power, platform positions, and cooking parameters based on sensor feedback and pre-programmed recipes, allowing the device to serve itself in maintaining optimal cooking conditions and improving both precision and energy efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If user manually adjusts food position during cooking, then cooking precision can be improved, but time consumption and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming cooking recipes with specified temperature profiles, timing sequences, and platform position adjustments. The system automatically executes these pre-planned actions without requiring user intervention during the cooking process, maintaining high cooking quality while eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated motor-driven platform positioning. The system uses motors and controllers to automatically move food items to optimal positions within the oven chamber based on real-time temperature feedback and recipe requirements, substituting human mechanical action with automated mechanical systems to improve efficiency and reduce time consumption.
4Productivity
If heating elements operate at high power continuously, then cooking speed increases, but energy consumption and risk of burning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through pulsed heating cycles where heating elements operate at high power for specific time intervals followed by lower power or idle periods. The controller modulates heating power dynamically based on real-time temperature feedback, applying heat periodically rather than continuously, which maintains cooking speed while reducing overall energy consumption and preventing burning through controlled thermal exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting heating power levels, cooking temperatures, and duration based on real-time temperature measurements and recipe requirements. The controller modifies operational parameters such as heating element power output and platform position to optimize the balance between cooking speed and energy efficiency, preventing both energy waste and food burning through adaptive parameter control.
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 enables hands-off cooking with precise temperature control, reducing the risk of errors and energy waste, while ensuring even cooking and efficient energy use by dynamically adjusting the food item's position within the cooking chamber.
Implementation Method 1
the cooking chamber is heated by one or more heating elements
Implementation Method 2
temperature and heat power distribution inside a conventional food preparation system is often non-uniform, with regions closer to heating elements receiving higher temperature and heat power
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling a smart cooking appliance, including: at an oven comprising a cooking chamber, a food support platform, and a control unit; detecting a first event corresponding to a start of a cooking process for a food item, wherein a first heating surface of the cooking chamber is operating at a first preset output level; in response to detecting the first event, activating one or more actuators to move the food support platform to a first position; while the food support platform is at the first position and while the first heating surface is operating at the first preset output level, detecting that oven reconfiguration criteria are met; and in response to detecting that the oven reconfiguration criteria are met, activating the one or more actuators to move the food support platform from the first position to a second position that is distinct from the first position.