Steam Cooking Oven Parameter Automation for Simplified User Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in setting optimal cooking parameters for steam cooking processes in cooking ovens, particularly in adjusting temperature and humidity levels, which can lead to suboptimal food quality and user acceptance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that allows users to set primary cooking parameters, with a control unit automatically adjusting secondary parameters based on pre-defined mappings in an electronic database, simplifying the process and providing enhanced user guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If users manually set all cooking parameters (temperature, humidity, time) for steam cooking, then cooking precision can be optimized, but operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking parameter precisionVSAvoidparameter setting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments cooking parameters into primary parameters (selected by user from a limited set) and secondary parameters (automatically determined by the control unit). This segmentation allows users to focus on selecting the cooking mode and key parameters while the system handles the complex interdependencies of remaining parameters, thus maintaining precision without overwhelming the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically determines secondary cooking parameters based on the selected primary parameters and stored cooking programs. The system serves itself by using its internal database and algorithms to fill in parameter gaps, eliminating the need for users to manually configure all parameters and reducing operational complexity while maintaining optimal cooking conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the system provides detailed parameter settings for integrated cooking processes, then cooking quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking result qualityVSAvoidparameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit stores multiple pre-programmed cooking programs in its database, each containing optimized combinations of cooking parameters for different food types and cooking modes. When a user selects a program, the system has already performed the complex parameter optimization work in advance, delivering high cooking quality without exposing the user to the underlying complexity of parameter interdependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts cooking parameters based on the selected program and user inputs. The control unit modifies temperature, humidity, and time parameters according to pre-stored relationships and algorithms, allowing the system to maintain optimal cooking conditions for different scenarios without requiring users to understand or manually adjust complex parameter interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If users are required to understand parameter interdependencies for steam cooking, then cooking precision improves, but user guidance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter optimizationVSAvoiduser knowledge requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex parameter interdependencies. It translates simple user selections (cooking mode and primary parameters) into optimized complete parameter sets using its internal algorithms and database. This intermediary function shields users from needing to understand complex parameter relationships while still achieving optimal cooking results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to users through its interface, guiding them through the parameter selection process. When users select primary parameters, the system responds by automatically configuring secondary parameters and can display the complete cooking program for confirmation. This feedback mechanism ensures users receive appropriate guidance without needing to understand the underlying complex parameter interdependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3559558B1Method of operating a cooking oven, in particular a steam cooking oven
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3559558B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3559558B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention in particular relates to a method of operating a cooking oven, comprising: - receiving a manual user setting for one or more than one primary cooking parameters; and, - upon receipt of the one or more primary cooking parameters, executing an algorithm function for automatically and without further user input setting one or more than one additional secondary cooking parameters different from the received one or more primary cooking parameter - the execution of the algorithm function comprising: accessing an electronic database (4, 7), the electronic database (4, 7) including a mapping between the e primary and secondary cooking parameters; and by automatically and without user input setting the secondary cooking parameters for controlling the cooking process.