Systems and methods for performing a sous-vide cooking cycle in a dishwasher appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sous-vide cooking appliances are costly and require separate containers, temperature sensors, and heating devices, making them impractical for household use.

Innovation Solution

A dishwashing appliance is modified to perform sous-vide cooking by incorporating a tub with a fluid conduit, a pump, and a temperature sensor, allowing for controlled fluid temperature and circulation, enabling sous-vide operations through a mobile device interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate sous-vide appliance is used, then precise temperature control and sous-vide cooking capability are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesous-vide cooking capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dishwashing appliance is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both wash dishes and perform sous-vide cooking operations. The appliance includes a tub with a heating device and temperature sensor that can be used for either washing or cooking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sous-vide equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the sous-vide cooking system with the dishwashing appliance by integrating the heating device, temperature sensor, and fluid circulation system into the existing appliance structure. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If a separate sous-vide appliance with dedicated container and heating device is used, then cooking precision is improved, but cost and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to manage both dishwashing and sous-vide cooking modes through a unified interface. The processor can execute different control algorithms based on the selected mode, maintaining temperature control precision while simplifying user interaction through a single appliance interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cost-effective sous-vide cooking within a dishwashing appliance, simplifying operations and reducing equipment needs while maintaining precise temperature control.

Implementation Method 1

a pump configured to deliver a fluid to the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor provided within the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11779189B2Systems and methods for performing a sous-vide cooking cycle in a dishwasher appliance

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of controlling a dishwashing appliance may include determining that a cooking operation has been input to the dishwashing appliance via a mobile device, receiving an input option for the cooking operation via the mobile device, and activating the pump to supply a predetermined volume of fluid to the container at a predetermined temperature.