Pressure Cooker Control Device for Flexible Food Preparation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances lack flexibility in food preparation timing, leading to overcooking or undercooking issues, especially when guests arrive late or when preparing multiple dishes simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a kitchen appliance, such as a pressure cooker, integrated with a control device that allows users to set specific preparation times, access a database for cooking times based on temperature and quantity, and control heating automatically, ensuring food is prepared to a desired condition within a selected time frame, even when the appliance is used outside the kitchen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If food is prepared using traditional kitchen appliances without integrated control, then the appliance structure remains simple, but the food preparation timing flexibility is poor and leads to overcooking or undercooking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure cooker with an integrated control device that includes a processor, memory, and user interface. The control device merges multiple functions (timing control, temperature monitoring, cooking program selection, and automatic operation control) into a single integrated system, enabling flexible food preparation timing while maintaining a unified appliance structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a timer, temperature controller, program selector, and automatic operation manager. The system can store multiple cooking programs in memory and automatically select and execute the appropriate program based on user input, making the appliance adaptable to various cooking scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If food preparation time is extended to accommodate late guests, then timing flexibility improves, but the food quality deteriorates due to overcooking
Solution Approach 1:
The control device allows dynamic adjustment of cooking parameters during the cooking process. Users can modify the preparation time and temperature settings based on when guests will arrive, and the system dynamically adjusts the heating power and cooking duration to ensure the food reaches the desired state exactly when needed, preventing both undercooking and overcooking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature and pressure inside the pressure cooker. The control device receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the heating element to maintain optimal cooking conditions. This closed-loop control ensures that even if the cooking time is extended, the food quality remains consistent by preventing excessive heat exposure.
3Productivity
If multiple dishes are prepared simultaneously using separate appliances, then the quantity of food prepared increases, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure cooker is designed with a large capacity vessel that can accommodate multiple different types of food items simultaneously. The control device provides multiple pre-programmed cooking programs for different food types (meat, vegetables, rice, etc.), allowing users to prepare multiple dishes in a single appliance. This eliminates the need to operate multiple separate appliances, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.
4Ease of operation
If automatic control is integrated into the pressure cooker, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to be highly automated with minimal user intervention required. Users simply select the desired cooking program and input the desired completion time, and the system automatically manages all cooking parameters including temperature, pressure, and heating duration. The control device even provides automatic reminders and can adjust cooking parameters mid-process based on sensor feedback, making operation extremely easy despite the sophisticated internal control mechanisms.
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 flexible and efficient food preparation, ensuring dishes are ready at the desired time, maintaining quality and allowing for passive cooking using residual heat, thus optimizing energy use and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The cooking appliance can comprise a heating device with which a food brought into the preparation vessel or preparation chamber can be heated
Implementation Method 2
A pressure cooker can be heated using cooking tables, for example, using a hob
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method with a kitchen appliance for preparing food. The system comprises a control device (4) and a device for selecting a cooking time for food (17). The control device (4) is configured to control the preparation of food in such a way that a selected cooking time is adhered to. The kitchen appliance may include a pressure cooker (2). The invention enables the desired cooking time for food to be adhered to.