Variable peak wavelength cooking instrument with support tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking instruments lack the capability to systematically and consistently produce complex meals with precision and speed, requiring manual intervention and multiple instruments, which limits their ability to automate the cooking process.
Innovation Solution
A cooking instrument with a computing device-controlled heating system that adjusts peak emission wavelength and spectral power distribution of filament assemblies to specifically heat food, using a support tray with tailored absorption properties to indirectly transfer heat, allowing for various heating patterns and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cooking instruments are used, then cooking can be performed, but the ability to systematically and consistently produce complex meals with precision and speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system dynamically adjusts the peak emission wavelength and spectral power distribution based on the cooking stage and food requirements. The controller modifies operating parameters in real-time to optimize heat transfer efficiency, enabling systematic and consistent production of complex meals with high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (peak wavelength, spectral power distribution) of the heating elements to match different cooking requirements. By tuning the emission spectrum to align with absorption bands of food materials or support tray materials, the system achieves precise control over heat transfer mechanisms, improving productivity and reducing manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooking instruments are used to produce complex meals, then cooking versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking instrument integrates multiple heating zones with independently controllable spectral emissions, allowing a single device to perform functions previously requiring multiple instruments. The support tray with tailored absorption properties enables the system to selectively heat different zones, providing versatile cooking capability for complex meals while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is divided into multiple heating zones with different spectral characteristics. Each zone can be independently controlled to target specific food components or cooking stages, enabling complex meal preparation in a single instrument rather than requiring multiple separate devices
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating methods are used, then heating can be performed, but precision and speed in cooking complex meals are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves both precision and speed by dynamically changing the peak emission wavelength to match the absorption characteristics of food materials at different cooking stages. This resonant coupling maximizes energy transfer efficiency, enabling rapid heating with precise spatial and temporal control
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system employs periodic modulation of spectral power distribution across different zones and time intervals. This allows selective heating of specific food components in a controlled sequence, achieving precise cooking outcomes at high speed by targeting different absorption bands at optimal moments
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
Enables precise and efficient cooking of complex meals by dynamically controlling heat transfer to food, reducing human intervention and improving cooking consistency and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a heating system (e.g., with one or more filament assemblies) capable of emitting waves at different peak wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The material of the support tray has an absorption band that is at least partially different from an absorption band of the envelope
Implementation Method 3
drive the heating element to emit at a first peak wavelength such that the support tray is substantially opaque to waves emitted from the heating element and at a second peak wavelength such that the support tray is substantially transparent to waves emitted from the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments include a cooking appliance/instrument (e.g., oven). The cooking appliance/instrument can include a cooking chamber, a support tray adapted to hold food in the cooking chamber; and a heating system comprised of at least a heating element. The heating system is adapted to emit waves according to a particular configuration such that the emitted waves is substantially transparent or substantially opaque to the support tray and thus enabling the cooking instrument to select what to heat.