Cooking device and method for operating a cooking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam cooking appliances struggle to maintain a consistent cooking temperature, leading to slower cooking processes and temperature fluctuations, as they rely on temperature sensors to control steam input, which is inefficient and prone to overshooting.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a temperature sensor that adjusts the steam source's heating output by specific amounts based on detected temperature thresholds, allowing for precise temperature control by reducing the heat output when exceeding a first threshold and increasing it by a greater amount when falling below a second threshold, thereby compensating for process inertia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature sensor controls the steam source to maintain a safe temperature below maximum desired temperature, then excess steam escaping is prevented, but the cooking temperature is considerably below maximum and cooking processes run slower than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies partial action by increasing steam supply only when temperature falls below the second threshold, rather than continuously maintaining maximum temperature. This prevents excess steam escaping while enabling higher cooking temperatures to improve cooking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter from a single fixed threshold to two distinct thresholds (first and second threshold temperatures). This allows the cooking temperature to be raised closer to the maximum desired temperature while still preventing excess steam escaping through the outlet opening.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor controls steam input to prevent excess steam, then the cooking temperature is maintained below maximum, but the temperature is subject to considerable fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from the temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cooking temperature and adjust the steam source accordingly. When temperature falls below the second threshold, steam supply is increased; when it exceeds the first threshold, steam supply is reduced. This feedback mechanism stabilizes temperature fluctuations while preventing excess steam escaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device applies partial action by making incremental adjustments to steam supply based on temperature deviations from the target range. This gradual adjustment approach reduces temperature oscillations compared to abrupt on/off control, thereby improving temperature stability.
3Ease of operation
If a single temperature threshold is used to control steam source, then the system is simple to operate, but the temperature cannot be maintained constantly and cooking processes are slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from a single temperature threshold parameter to two threshold parameters (first and second thresholds). This allows the cooking temperature to be maintained closer to the maximum desired temperature, improving cooking efficiency, while the control device remains simple to operate through automatic temperature-based adjustments.
4Productivity
If the heating output is increased to reach maximum desired temperature, then cooking processes run faster, but excess steam escapes and the area around the cooking appliance becomes humidified
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from the temperature sensor to monitor the cooking temperature and adjust the steam source output accordingly. When the temperature approaches the first threshold, steam supply is reduced to prevent excess steam escaping. This feedback control enables the system to operate at higher temperatures for faster cooking while automatically preventing harmful steam escape and humidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device applies partial action by providing steam supply only when needed to maintain temperature within the desired range, rather than continuously operating at maximum capacity. This allows faster cooking temperatures to be achieved while preventing excess steam escaping through the outlet opening.
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
This solution enables precise maintenance of the specified cooking temperature, reducing cooking time and minimizing temperature fluctuations, resulting in a more efficient and reproducible cooking process.
Implementation Method 1
a cooking appliance (1) with a cooking chamber (2) which can be heated at least essentially via at least one steam source (3) assigned to the cooking chamber (2)
Implementation Method 2
At least one temperature sensor (11) is provided for detecting a temperature (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The cooking appliance (1) has a control unit (30) to reduce the heat output of a steam source (3) around a first measure, when the temperature detected by a temperature sensor (11) exceeds a first predetermined threshold temperature. The control unit is provided to increase the heat output of the steam source to a second measure which is different from the first measure, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below a second predetermined threshold temperature. An independent claim is included for a method for operating cooking appliance.