Push-and-Turn Knob Module for Precise Cooking Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking devices require users to adjust heat energy and cooking time using knob-type input units, which can lead to inaccurate and cumbersome adjustments, making it difficult to precisely control the cooking process.
Innovation Solution
A cooking device featuring a push-and-turn knob module with a coupled knob ring that operates in a click or hold manner, integrated with a display unit to show temperature, heating power level, and time settings, allowing users to easily and accurately set heat energy and cooking time, and providing intuitive control over various heating modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob-type input unit is used for adjusting heat energy and cooking time, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into multiple functional modules: a push button for mode selection, a rotary knob for parameter adjustment, and a display unit for feedback. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function, improving operational ease while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control circuit acts as an intermediary between the mechanical inputs (push button and rotary knob) and the heating elements. This intermediary processes user inputs, manages the heating cycles, and coordinates the display outputs, thereby simplifying the user interface while enabling precise control of multiple heating modules
2Measurement precision
If a knob-type input unit is used for adjusting heat energy and cooking time, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of cooking parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit provides real-time feedback to the user showing the current heating power level and remaining cooking time. This feedback mechanism allows users to precisely monitor and adjust cooking parameters, ensuring accurate measurement and control while the control circuit manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors and display elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electromechanical system where a rotary knob generates electrical signals processed by a microprocessor. This substitution enables more precise parameter control through digital processing while the mechanical rotary interface maintains user-friendly operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control units are used for each heating module, then each module can be controlled independently, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a universal multi-functional module that can manage multiple types of heating elements (conventional heaters, infrared heaters, steam generators) through a single interface. The microprocessor-based system adapts to different heating module configurations, providing independent control capability while consolidating control functions into one unit rather than requiring separate controls for each module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cooking device which allows a user to set a heating power level and a cooking time quickly and easily. A cooking device according to the present disclosure includes a new form of control device configured to control cooking processes using the cooking device. The new form of control device, i.e., a knob module, includes a knob which operates in a push-and-turn manner and a knob ring which is coupled to the knob and operates in a click or hold manner, and a display unit formed integrally with the knob ring and capable of displaying a temperature, a heating power level, a time, or other information set according to an operation of the knob or the knob ring. According to the present disclosure, an amount of heat energy supplied through the cooking device and a cooking time of the food may be easily and quickly adjusted.