Oven Vision Sensor System for Grease Splatter Detection and Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive cooking technologies do not provide dynamic recommendations or corrective actions to prevent grease spilling and splattering during cooking, leading to potential mishaps in cooking appliances.
Innovation Solution
A control and monitoring system that uses sensors to classify food items as grease generating or non-grease generating, detects the presence of a grease catching vessel, and generates alerts if it is not positioned correctly, as well as detecting grease generation and splattering to notify users to take corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-saved cooking cycles are used, then cooking assistance is provided, but dynamic recommendations and corrective actions for grease spilling are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the cooking cavity using sensors to detect grease generation and splattering in real-time, then provides dynamic feedback to the user through alerts and notifications. This closed-loop feedback mechanism transforms static pre-saved cycles into adaptive cooking assistance that responds to actual cooking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking appliance autonomously monitors its own cooking environment using integrated sensors and control systems, detecting grease generation without external intervention. The system self-diagnoses potential grease spilling issues and independently generates corrective alerts, eliminating the need for constant user monitoring.
2Reliability
If grease catching vessel placement is monitored, then grease spilling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects grease generation, monitors splattering conditions, tracks vessel placement, and provides user notifications. By consolidating these monitoring tasks into a single multi-functional sensor array and control system, the patent avoids the complexity of separate dedicated sensors for each function while achieving comprehensive grease spilling prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical monitoring mechanisms with optical and electrical sensors that detect grease generation through non-contact means. Instead of physical switches or mechanical sensors that would require direct contact with cooking elements, the patent uses optical sensors to monitor grease splattering and vessel placement, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then corrective actions are enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates periodically rather than continuously, with sensors activated at key moments such as when cooking cycles begin, when grease generation is detected, or when vessel placement needs verification. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining effective real-time detection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses rapid detection and quick alert generation to skip through potential problem periods. When grease generation is detected, the system quickly identifies the issue and provides immediate corrective guidance, minimizing the time the monitoring system needs to operate at full intensity and thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a body defining a cooking chamber and a sensor that monitors the cooking chamber. A control system is configured to detect an item of food within the cooking chamber with the sensor, and classify a type of the item of food from a list of classifications including at least grease generating, non-grease generating, or splatter generating. If the item of food is classified as grease generating or splatter generating, a splatter reduction alert or a placement alert is generated for a user to take a corrective action.