Systems and methods for an automated barbecue smoker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving optimal smoking conditions for food is challenging due to the long duration of smoking processes and the inability to monitor internal conditions effectively in traditional smokers, leading to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable barbecue smoker device with a hyperboloid-shaped container body, air flow control mechanisms, sensors, and a control device that adjusts airflow based on collected data to maintain optimal cooking conditions, allowing for remote control via a mobile app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional smokers are used for long-duration smoking, then food can be cooked and flavored, but internal conditions cannot be monitored effectively leading to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensors that continuously monitor temperature and humidity inside the smoker, with data transmitted to a mobile device. The system provides real-time feedback on internal conditions, allowing users to adjust settings to maintain optimal smoking parameters throughout the long cooking duration, thereby ensuring consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment of smoking conditions with automated electronic sensors and digital control systems. Temperature and humidity are measured electronically and transmitted via wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical inspection and manual regulation, thus improving measurement precision and reliability.
2Loss of information
If the smoker is opened to monitor food during smoking, then food can be checked, but the smoking process is substantially interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection requiring opening the smoker with electronic imaging or sensing systems that can detect food status through the closed chamber. Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and food progression without physical access, eliminating temperature fluctuations caused by opening the smoker while still providing information about the cooking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and wireless communication as intermediaries between the user and the food. Instead of directly observing food by opening the smoker, users receive data transmissions about internal conditions and food status, allowing monitoring without physical intervention that would disrupt the smoking environment.
3Reliability
If manual monitoring and adjusting is performed during smoking, then conditions can be checked, but constant attention is required increasing time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where sensors continuously monitor temperature and humidity, and the mobile device application automatically tracks cooking progress and provides guidance. The system serves itself by maintaining optimal conditions through automated feedback loops, eliminating the need for constant human attention and reducing time loss while ensuring reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor conditions and transmit data to the user's mobile device in real-time. The system automatically adjusts or alerts users about necessary adjustments, providing ongoing control without requiring constant manual intervention, thus reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
4Ease of operation
If fixed smoking time is used, then cooking process is simple, but optimal results cannot be achieved due to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed, static cooking times into dynamic, adaptive cooking profiles. The system uses sensor data to monitor actual cooking conditions and automatically adjusts timing and temperature parameters in real-time, allowing the cooking process to adapt to changing internal conditions while maintaining simple user interaction through the mobile application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable cooking parameters that change based on monitored conditions. Instead of fixed time and temperature settings, the system continuously adjusts parameters such as temperature, humidity, and cooking duration based on real-time sensor feedback, ensuring optimal results while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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
Ensures consistent and desirable smoking results by maintaining precise temperature and smoke exposure, reducing the need for constant monitoring and adjusting cooking times, and allowing for different cooking conditions based on food type and preference.
Implementation Method 1
a fan associated with the at least one lower vent configured to draw air into the container body
Implementation Method 2
a pre-heating mechanism associated with the fan and with the at least one lower vent, wherein the pre-heating mechanism is configured to heat the air drawn into the container body by the fan
Implementation Method 3
at least part of the lower portion of the container body having a substantially hyperboloid shape
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Devices, systems, and computer-readable medium are provided for a barbecue smoker device. A barbecue smoker device is provided, that includes a multi-wall container, a food platform, a heat source, an air vent at the top of the barbecue smoker device, an air flow control mechanism at the lower portion of the barbecue smoker device, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the barbecue smoker device. The barbeque smoker device may include a control device for automated control of the air flow control mechanism. A system for remotely controlling a barbecue smoker device is provided, where the system includes a barbecue smoker device including a processor and a display unit, a mobile device in wireless communication with the barbecue smoker device, and the mobile device displaying a graphical user interface that is configured to receive input from a user causing a configuration change in the barbecue smoker device.