Vibrating Cooktop with Induction Heating for Even Popcorn Cooking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking systems, such as those using vibrating devices, have been ineffective in ensuring even heating and reducing the need for manual stirring, particularly in preparing high-quality popcorn, due to poor implementation and resulting in unevenly cooked kernels.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop system incorporating an induction coil for heat generation and a vibrator to create oscillating motion, combined with a thermally insulating, elastically deformable pad to support the cooking vessel, which prevents horizontal movement and enhances the distribution of heat and motion to the food.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibrating device is used to improve food preparation, then the need for manual stirring is reduced, but the heating uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric element that vibrates the cooking vessel at specific frequencies. This vibration causes the food to move and redistribute within the vessel, achieving mixing effects without manual stirring while maintaining uniform heat distribution through controlled oscillation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cooking system by introducing controlled vibration frequencies and amplitudes. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal mixing效果 while preserving heating uniformity, resolving the contradiction between automated mixing and heat distribution
2Power
If induction heating is used to cook popcorn, then heating efficiency is improved, but uneven heating of kernels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines induction heating with mechanical vibration of the cooking vessel. The vibration causes popcorn kernels to move continuously during heating, ensuring that all kernels are exposed to the heat source uniformly and preventing localized overheating while maintaining high heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges induction heating technology with vibration technology in a single cooking system. The induction coil provides efficient heating while the piezoelectric element provides simultaneous vibration, creating a combined effect that achieves both high efficiency and uniform heating of popcorn kernels
3Ease of operation
If a vibrating device is attached to the cooking surface, then food mixing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin piezoelectric film or element attached to the cooking surface to generate vibration. This flexible, thin-component approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively transmitting vibration to the cooking vessel and food, achieving automated mixing with simple system architecture
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 system ensures even heating and reduces the need for manual stirring, resulting in consistently cooked food, particularly popcorn, by using induction and vibration technology to maintain consistent heat distribution and motion within the cooking vessel.
Implementation Method 1
a coil for creating an oscillating magnetic field that interacts with and generates an amount of heat in the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 2
a coil for creating an oscillating magnetic field that interacts with and generates an amount of heat in the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 3
a vibrator coupled to the surface for vibrating the surface
Implementation Method 4
a pad formed of a thermally insulating, elastically deformable material on the surface and underneath the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 5
a pad formed of a thermally insulating, elastically deformable material on the surface and underneath the cooking vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking system that utilizes vibration to improve the convenience of preparing food and the quality of the finished product. The system uses a vibrating device coupled to a cooking vessel with a pad and/or isolation blocks disposed between the vibrator and the vessel. The cooking system can be adapted to prepare specific foods in specific quantities, such as popcorn in pre-packaged containers.