Control- and operating device for a cooking appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking appliances lack the ability to effectively monitor and control cooking processes in the home environment, as they do not account for multiple parameters influencing cooking, leading to inadequate results, especially for inexperienced users, and existing smart cooking systems are complex and expensive, limiting their accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A control, regulation, and operating device comprising a primary unit attached to the cooking appliance with sensors that transmit data wirelessly to a secondary unit, such as a smartphone, for real-time monitoring and control, using the RGT rule to optimize cooking times and temperatures, allowing for bidirectional communication and intelligent cooking process management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a timer or temperature display is used to monitor cooking, then individual parameters can be recorded, but comprehensive cooking process monitoring is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking parameter monitoringVSAvoidmulti-parameter cooking control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (temperature, pressure, humidity) into a single monitoring system that collects comprehensive cooking parameters simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between individual parameter recording and comprehensive monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If pre-programmed cooking programs are executed with radio communication, then cooking can be controlled remotely, but the technology becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote cooking controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary device that processes sensor data and executes cooking programs locally, eliminating the need for complex radio communication systems while maintaining remote control capability through simple interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If cooking time is set using a timer, then cooking duration can be controlled, but cooking temperature and food-specific data are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking time controlVSAvoidcooking result quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data (temperature, pressure) is continuously monitored and fed back to adjust cooking time dynamically, ensuring reliable cooking results by considering multiple parameters rather than relying solely on preset timers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 simple, effective monitoring and control of cooking processes in the home, ensuring all foods are ready at the same time while preventing burns, with a cost-effective solution that is accessible to the mass market, using a smartphone or tablet for easy and professional-level cooking management.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device can, for example, a temperature or Record the pressure signal in analog form and digitize it with the help of a measuring form converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP2773243B1Control- and operating device for a cooking appliance
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
  • EP2773243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2773243B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a control, regulation and operating device (1) for a cooking appliance (2), comprising at least one primary unit (3) which can be mounted on the associated cooking appliance (2) and is designed to communicate wirelessly with a secondary unit (4). According to the invention, the primary unit (3) is designed as a sensor device (5) for detecting at least one parameter that influences the cooking process and for transmitting the same to the secondary unit (4), whereas the secondary unit (4) is designed to evaluate and process the data received from the primary unit (3) and for displaying and/or sending corresponding handling instructions to the primary unit (3), and wherein the secondary unit (4) is configured as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet PC, a pager or a PC. In this way, monitoring of the cooking process can be achieved in a simple manner using, for example, a smartphone.