Dual-Platen Cooking Control Using Automatic Food Thickness Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses that automatically control the relative motion of two platens are prone to user error due to manual input of parameters such as gap distance and food type, leading to potential undercooking or overcooking of food products.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a positioning mechanism that automatically controls the motion of a second platen toward and away from a first platen, utilizing detectors and a controller to adjust for impediments, temperature sensing, and preheat modes to ensure precise contact and cooking times based on detected food thickness and load sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual parameter input is used for gap distance and food type, then the cooking apparatus can be operated with simple controls, but user error occurs leading to undercooking or overcooking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of food thickness using detectors (optical, capacitive, or weight-based sensors) that automatically sense the food product characteristics without requiring manual input from the user. The controller automatically selects cooking parameters based on the detected thickness, eliminating user error while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input (user typing or selecting parameters) with automated sensing systems. Detectors such as optical sensors, capacitive sensors, or weight sensors automatically measure food thickness and transmit this data to the controller, which then automatically sets the appropriate gap distance and cooking time, substituting human operation with automated measurement and control.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated platen motion control is implemented, then cooking precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system positioned between the user and the cooking process. Sensors (optical, capacitive, or weight-based) act as intermediaries that automatically measure food thickness and communicate with the controller, which then adjusts platen motion. This intermediary layer automates precision control without requiring complex user interaction or manual parameter setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with automated sensing and control. Instead of requiring users to manually set gap distances and cooking parameters, the patent uses detectors to sense food characteristics and automatically controls platen motion through a controller, substituting mechanical adjustment with automated measurement and actuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If preset gap distances are manually set for different food types, then the apparatus can accommodate various food products, but the process requires multiple parameter inputs increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of food type and self-determination of optimal cooking parameters. Detectors automatically measure food thickness and characteristics, and the controller automatically selects the appropriate preset gap distance and cooking time from its database, eliminating the need for users to manually input multiple parameters and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal detection and control system that can handle multiple food types through a single automated interface. The detector system (optical, capacitive, or weight-based) universally measures various food characteristics, and the controller universally applies appropriate cooking parameters from its preset database, allowing one system to serve multiple functions without requiring separate manual settings for each food type.
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 apparatus reduces user error by automatically adjusting platen motion and cooking times based on detected food thickness and load, ensuring consistent cooking results without manual parameter input.
Implementation Method 1
A detector is disposed to provide a signal in response to detection of an impediment to the motion of the second platen
Implementation Method 2
the controller in a preheat mode further controls a heater to apply thermal energy to at least one zone of the first platen and to the second platen
Implementation Method 3
one or more temperature sensors are disposed to sense one or more temperatures at one or more locations of the first platen
Data Source
AI summary
Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.