Dual-Platen Cooking Control Using Food Thickness Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses with two platens require manual input of parameters, leading to potential user errors in setting the correct gap distance and food type, which can result in undercooked or overcooked food due to incorrect settings.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a positioning mechanism and detector system that automatically controls the relative motion of the platens, using sensors and a controller to adjust for food thickness and temperature, ensuring precise contact and cooking time based on detected impediments and temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual input of parameters is used to control platen motion, then the device complexity is reduced, but user error increases leading to incorrect gap distance and cooking time settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines cooking parameters by detecting food properties itself, eliminating the need for manual user input. The controller autonomously selects gap distance and cooking time based on detector signals, making the system self-sufficient and removing the error-prone manual configuration step.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual parameter input is replaced with an automated detection and control system. Detectors sense food properties and the controller automatically translates these signals into appropriate cooking parameters, substituting human operation with sensor-based automation to eliminate user error.
2Reliability
If automated parameter selection is implemented, then user error is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional detectors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The detector serves multiple functions: it detects food presence, determines food type, and infers food thickness, all to automatically set cooking parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters (gap distance, cooking time, temperature) based on detector signals that identify food properties. The controller dynamically adjusts these parameters according to the detected impediment characteristics, enabling adaptive cooking without requiring complex pre-programming for every food type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If preset gap distances are manually configured for different food types, then adaptability to various food products is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to required manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts to different food types by detecting their properties and self-configuring the appropriate parameters. The user simply places food on the platen and starts the process, eliminating the need to manually select food types or input parameters, thereby greatly simplifying operation while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of food properties before cooking begins, using this information to pre-configure the optimal cooking parameters. This preliminary action of detecting and setting parameters automatically prepares the system for the specific food type without requiring user intervention.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated detection and adjustment of platen position is implemented, then manufacturing precision of cooking parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides feedback signals to the controller based on the detected impediment, which then automatically adjusts the platen position to achieve the correct gap distance. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the system self-corrects based on sensor input.
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 system reduces user error by automatically adjusting platen position and cooking time, ensuring consistent cooking results by detecting food presence and thickness, and compensating for variations in food load, thereby improving cooking precision and reducing the risk of under or overcooking.
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
a positioning mechanism that moves the second platen toward and/or away from 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.