Recipe-Driven Grill Burner Control with Automated Gas Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grill technologies lack the ability to control cooking processes efficiently and predictably, often requiring manual adjustment of heat and timing, which can lead to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled grill system that includes processing devices and memory devices storing instructions for receiving recipe commands, controlling burners based on pre-set temperatures and cook times, and monitoring burner temperatures to adjust gas flow and ignition accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of heat and timing is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability of cooking results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grill system automatically monitors its own temperature through sensors and adjusts burner operation without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller continuously reads temperature data, compares it to target values, and modifies gas valve positions to maintain precise cooking temperatures, enabling the system to self-regulate and eliminate manual adjustment errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the cooking surface and burner temperatures, feed this data back to the microcontroller, which then adjusts the gas valves to maintain target temperatures. This real-time feedback ensures consistent cooking results by automatically compensating for temperature deviations.
2Reliability
If computer control is implemented, then manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions within the grill system: it monitors temperatures from multiple sensors, controls multiple gas valves, manages the cooking cycle timing, and interfaces with the user through a display and buttons. By consolidating these control functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves reliable automated cooking without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of heat and timing with an electronic control system. The microcontroller electronically manages burner operation through solenoid valves and timing circuits, substituting the need for manual mechanical intervention while improving cooking reliability and consistency through precise electronic control.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated temperature control is used, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of time in system setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-heating the grill to target temperatures before the cooking cycle begins. The microcontroller monitors temperature sensors and activates burners in advance to reach the required cooking temperature, ensuring that when food is placed on the grill, the optimal temperature is already established for immediate precise cooking.
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 ensures consistent and predictable cooking outcomes by automating the control of grill temperatures and burner operations, improving ease of use and the quality of cooked food.
Implementation Method 1
a burner module configured to control one or more burners of the grill based on the recipe
Implementation Method 2
a monitoring module configured to monitor a temperature of a burner of the grill
Implementation Method 3
to instruct an increase of gas flow through a gas control valve to the burner
Implementation Method 4
to activate a grill ignition associated with the burner
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-controlled grill can operate burners based on a set of instructions in the form of a recipe. The grill can provide notifications corresponding to steps of the recipe, to alert the user to perform the steps. The notifications can be provided at the grill, through a connected mobile device, or both. The grill adjusts gas flow to one or more burners based on the recipe steps. If the grill detects that the user has not performed required steps, the grill reduces or shuts off gas flow to the burners.