Functional cookware and method for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart cooking utensils face high energy consumption due to accidental activations, leading to rapid discharge of energy storage devices, especially when placed in cupboards, drawers, or during washing, which reduces the charging and replacement intervals.
Innovation Solution
A method that checks the position and orientation of the cooking utensil using sensors to prevent unintended activation, ensuring the operating electronics only switch on when in a permissible operating position, thereby reducing energy usage and extending the lifespan of the energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating electronics unit is activated by simple contact or movement detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to accidental activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary position verification using the position sensor before allowing activation. When activation is detected, the control device checks whether the cooking utensil is in a permissible operating position before switching on the operating electronics unit, preventing accidental activations while maintaining easy operation for legitimate use cases
2Use of energy by moving object
If the operating electronics unit remains in standby mode continuously, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the responsiveness to user activation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device periodically checks the position of the cooking utensil using the position sensor while in standby mode. This periodic monitoring allows the system to remain energy-efficient while still detecting activation events and verifying position quickly when needed, balancing energy consumption with responsive activation
3Reliability
If position sensing is added to prevent accidental activation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor leverages the existing gravitational field and the natural orientation of the cooking utensil to determine position. The sensor detects whether the utensil is in a permissible operating position (e.g., on a hob or in a drawer) based on its orientation, using environmental conditions rather than requiring complex active sensing systems or additional infrastructure
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption and prolongs the service life of the energy storage by avoiding unnecessary activations, such as accidental switching on during handling or washing, thus enhancing the usability and efficiency of the cooking utensil.
Implementation Method 1
the position and/or orientation of the functional cooking utensil is checked after a detected activation of the operating electronics unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The method according to the invention is suitable for operating a functional cooking appliance, wherein the functional cooking appliance comprises operating electronics, the operating electronics comprising an operating device, at least one control device, a communication device, a position sensor, and an energy storage device. The method is characterized by the following steps: - Checking the position and/or orientation of the functional cooking appliance after a detected activation of the operating electronics, if the operating electronics are in standby mode; - Switching on the operating electronics when a permissible operating position is detected; or - Remaining in standby mode if an impermissible operating position suggests accidental activation of the operating electronics.The functional cooking cookware according to the invention comprises an operating electronics, wherein the operating electronics include an operating device, a communication device, a control device, a position sensor and an energy storage device, wherein the control device is suitable and configured to carry out the aforementioned method.