Programmable heating circulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sous-vide circulators are prone to costly repairs or replacements due to motor failures, and novice users face challenges in selecting appropriate cooking times and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A modular motorized pump mechanism that is removable and replaceable, combined with advanced features like voice assist functions, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, and automated recipe management, including fluid level sensors and a library of cooking codes, to enhance user experience and device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor is secured within the circulator's housing for lower cost fabrication, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because the entire circulator ceases to function upon motor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator is divided into separate functional modules: a removable pump assembly containing the motor and a separate heating element assembly. This segmentation allows the pump to be replaced independently when it fails, preventing total system failure and enabling cost-effective repairs without replacing the entire circulator unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is extracted from the integrated housing and placed in a separate, removable pump assembly. This extraction allows the motor to be independently replaced without affecting other components, improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
2Ease of operation
If advanced features like voice assist and Wi-Fi connectivity are added to improve user guidance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulator includes automated features such as fluid level sensors that automatically monitor and alert users to water levels, and pre-programmed cooking codes that automatically set temperature and time parameters. These self-service features simplify operation without requiring complex user intervention, balancing ease of use with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulator integrates multiple functions including heating, circulating, fluid level monitoring, wireless communication, and pre-programmed cooking profiles into a single device. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive user guidance while consolidating complexity into unified system components rather than separate devices.
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 solution allows for easy maintenance and improved user guidance, enabling precise temperature control and streamlined cooking processes, making sous-vide cooking more accessible and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The circulator also includes a heating element and a removable cover
Implementation Method 2
The lower portion can include a removable modular motorized pump mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A sous-vide circulator cooker temperature control device that includes a motor module which can be replaced by users when the motor fails. The circulator cooker temperature control device includes an outer portion, an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a programmable controller storing one or more codes that represent cooking temperatures and times selectable by a user. The controller can be programmed to receive additional codes. The controller includes a speaker and a voice assist algorithm configured to alert users of events.