Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar-powered cooking assistive device that is capable of providing assistance to a user while cooking by taking various parameters into consideration like cooking angle, regulating heat, monitoring progress for ensuring perfect cooking results, saving energy, preventing overcooking and enhancing user experience through convenience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cooking is an essential aspect of daily life, requiring precise control over temperature, timing, and technique. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for efficient and sustainable cooking solutions has never been more pressing. Traditional cooking methods, though widely used, pose significant challenges in terms of energy consumption, safety, and environmental impact.

[0003] Traditional cooking techniques rely heavily on fossil fuels, electricity, or gas, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion. Stovetop cooking, oven cooking, and charcoal or wood-fired cooking are some of the most common methods. However, these approaches have several drawbacks. They are energy-inefficient, wasting significant amounts of energy and contributing to climate change and resource depletion.

[0004] US20160305691A1 relates to a solar cooking apparatus, comprising: a first solar reflector; a second solar reflector; a solar collection element; and a solar collection element holder, wherein the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector are concave, and symmetrically arranged and aligned with a solar collection element axis, the reflectors having a up to a 360° range of motion around a plane perpendicular to the solar collection element axis, and focusing radiation at the solar collection element, which rapidly heats when the first and/or second solar reflectors are in an opened position, the first and second solar reflectors shield the solar collector when in a closed position. The solar cooking apparatus is adjustable and, in some embodiments, portable.

[0005] US4083357A discloses a solar heating device for the cooking of food, consisting of a parabolic trough reflector and having support legs attached at the approximate center of gravity of the reflector and oven assembly. The reflector longitudinal supports serving to hold a cooking oven consisting of a bottom of transparent plastic and a detachable top made of insulation and lined inside with a reflective material. The items to be cooked are supported inside the oven by means of a skewer or a skewer supported pan. The reflector assembly also having an aiming device mounted on its perpendicular support to assure reflector focus by means of shadows.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of assisting a user in solar cooking, however these existing devices fail in providing a means to regulate temperature based on utensil size, shape and positioning. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of detecting potential cooking issues such as burning, which causes interruption in peace of mind of the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of providing assistance to a user while cooking by regulating temperature as per utensil size, shape and positioning of the utensils. Furthermore, the developed device also needs to be potent enough of reducing risk of accidents by monitoring burning of the cooking.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of utilizing natural sunlight for cooking by adjusting its angle to maximize sunlight concentration for reducing reliance on other energy sources and saves fuel, thereby minimizes environmental impact.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing an enhanced support for optimal cooking conditions by automatic temperature regulations based on utensil size, shape and positioning, thereby ensures perfect cooked meals, reducing cooking time and minimizes risk of overcooking or undercooking.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enhancing user experience by precise control and real-time monitoring in view of detecting potential cooking issues such as burning for providing peace of mind, reducing risk of accidents and allows the user to focus on other task while cooking.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a solar-powered cooking assistive device that is capable of enhancing cooking efficiency and safety through adaptive angle adjustment, heat regulation, and real-time progress monitoring.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a solar-powered cooking assistive device, comprising a platform developed to be placed over a fixed surface, a hemi-spherical shaped body attached with the body through a motorized ball and socket joint, a plate inside the body to allow a user for accommodating a cooking utensil on the plate, a touch interactive display panel arranged on the platform for providing an input regarding their desired food item that is to be cook inside the utensils, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit arranged with the body to capture multiple images of surroundings to monitor dimensions of the utensils, multiple primary hinges integrated with the plate to get adjust for ensuring precise accommodation of the utensils as per their detected dimensions, multiple rectangular frames are arranged at inner periphery of the body via a secondary motorized hinge and fabricated with a reflector to direct the sunlight over the plate and a temperature sensor installed on the plate to monitor temperature of the plate.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized roller installed on a top portion of the body to get rotate for unwrapping a multiple-colored transparent sheet, multiple tertiary motorized hinge installed with the body to move multiple inverted U-shaped links arranged with the body for deploying the sheet over mouth portion of the body as means of regulating internal temperature, an odor sensor installed on the body to monitor odors from cooking food and unwanted smells like burning, a speaker installed on the platform to alert the user about burning of the food, a sun sensor installed on the body to monitor position of sun, multiple solar panels installed at both sides of the platform to receive sunrays over the solar panel, multiple omnidirectional wheels arranged underneath the platform to move the platform for following the sun to capture optimal solar energy and multiple heating units installed with the plate, works as another option for the user to cook in utensils.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a solar-powered cooking assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a solar-powered cooking assistive device that is capable of streamlining cooking processes with automated angle adjustment, heat regulation, and monitoring for optimal results, thereby Ensures perfect cooking results.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a solar-powered cooking assistive device and an internal view of the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a platform 101 installed with hemi-spherical shaped body 102 a via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 103, a plate 201 is provided on base of the body 102, multiple primary hinges 202 integrated along length of the plate 201, a touch interactive display panel 104 mounted on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on the body 102, multiple rectangular frames 203 are attached to inner periphery of the body 102, and each frame 203is equipped with a reflector 204, a motorized roller 106 arranged on a top portion of the body 102, multiple tertiary motorized hinge 107 arranged on the body 102, multiple inverted U-shaped links 108attached with the body 102, a speaker 109 mounted on the platform 101, multiple omnidirectional speaker 110are mounted at base of the platform 101 and solar panel 111 is mounted on the platform 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a platform 101, which serves as a main structure of the device and developed to be placed over a fixed surface, wherein a hemi-spherical shaped body 102 attached with the body 102 through a motorized ball and socket joint 103. The body 102 having a plate 201 inside it to allow a user for accommodating a cooking utensil on the plate 201. As the user places the utensils inside the body 102, the user is required to access a touch interactive display panel 104 arranged on the platform 101 for providing an input regarding their desired food item that is to be cook inside the utensils.

[0024] The touch interactive display panel 104 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding their desired food item that is to be cook inside the utensils. A touch controller is typically connected to a microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to PI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0025] After processing the input provided by the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 arranged with the body 102 to capture multiple images of surroundings to monitor dimensions of the utensils. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the platform 101.

[0026] The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 105 is real-time images of the platform 101. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines dimensions of the accommodated utensils.

[0027] Based on the detected dimensions of the utensils, the microcontroller actuates multiple primary hinges 202 integrated with the plate 201 to get adjust for ensuring precise accommodation of the utensils as per their detected dimensions. The primary hinge typically involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the primary hinge and the connected component. The primary hinge provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the primary hinge. As the motor rotates, the primary hinge orients the plate 201 for properly accommodating the utensils.

[0028] Multiple rectangular frames 203, which are arranged at inner periphery of the body 102 via a secondary motorized hinge, wherein a reflector 204 fabricated with each of the frame 203to direct the sunlight over the plate 201. After proper accommodation of the utensils and based on the provided input commands regarding a food item the user desires to cook, the microcontroller actuates a temperature sensor installed on the plate 201 to monitor temperature of the plate 201.

[0029] The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects optimal temperature by altering plate’s 201 electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly. The microcontroller continuously monitors the data from the temperature sensor for monitoring temperature of the plate 201. In case the temperature falls below or rises above the threshold temperature, then the microcontroller actuates the secondary hinge to orient the frame 203to vary intensity of sunlight reflected towards the plate 201.

[0030] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 106 installed on a top portion of the body 102 to get rotate for unwrapping a multiple-colored transparent sheet. The motorized roller 106 is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor. The roller 106 tube serves as a surface for supporting, and unwinding the sheet. The motorized roller 106 is equipped with an electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller 106. The motor is connected to the roller 106 tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor’s rotational force to the roller 106, causing it to spin and unwind the sheet. Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates multiple tertiary motorized hinge 107 installed with the body 102 to move multiple inverted U-shaped links 108arranged with the body 102 for deploying the sheet over mouth portion of the body 102 as means of regulating internal temperature.

[0031] An odor sensor installed on the body 102 to monitor odors from cooking food and unwanted smells like burning. The odor sensor typically consists of an array of gas sensors that are sensitive to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These sensors include metal oxide sensors, electrochemical sensors. Each of the sensor in the array is designed to respond to different types of volatile organic compounds. For sampling the odor from the cooking, a small fan or air pump is used to draw air from the cooking. The air is then directed into the sensor array. As the cooking odor enter the sensor array, each sensor in the array reacts to the specific VOCs present in the cooking food’s odor. The sensors produce electrical signals in response to the concentration of the target compounds.

[0032] The strength of these signals corresponds to the intensity of the odor. The microcontroller processes the signals from the odor sensor and identifies the presence and intensity of specific odors. Different cooking odors, such as burning, produces unique sensor response patterns. When the microcontroller detects any unpleasant odor, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 109 installed on the platform 101 to alert the user about burning of the food.

[0033] The speaker 109 is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker 109 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. This data is often in the form of an audio file.

[0034] The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker 109 drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 109. The core of the speaker 109 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear.

[0035] A sun sensor installed on the body 102 to monitor position of sun. The sun sensor detects sunlight and measures its intensity and direction. It typically consists of photodiodes or phototransistors that convert light into electrical signals. When sunlight hits the sensor, it generates a voltage proportional to the light intensity. The sun sensor has multiple sensing elements to determine the direction of the sun by comparing the output signals.

[0036] This information is processed by a microcontroller, which is then adjust solar panel 111, optimize energy capture, or provide data for weather monitoring. The sun sensors are essential in solar energy applications and for various outdoor systems that require sunlight tracking. Based on detected position of the sun, the microcontroller actuates the ball-and-socket joint 103 to orient the body 102 as per detected position of the sun.

[0037] The motorized ball-and-socket joint 103 consists of a ball-shaped element that fits into a socket, which provides rotational freedom in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, typically a servo motor which provides the controlled movement. The body 102 is attached to the socket of the motorized ball and socket joint 103. The motor responds by adjusting the ball and socket joint 103 and rotates the ball in the desired direction, and this motion is transferred to the socket that holds the body 102. As the ball and socket joint 103 103 move, it provides the necessary angular movement to the body 102 to get align with sun’s position.

[0038] Multiple solar panel 111 installed at both sides of the platform 101 to receive sunrays over the solar panel 111. The solar panel 111, or photovoltaic (PV) panel 111, converts sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic cells. The solar panel 111 consisting of PV cells, a panel 111 frame, glass covering, and electrical connections, solar panel 111 come in various types, including monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, thin-film, and bifacial panel 111.

[0039] The solar panel 111 work by converting sunlight into DC electricity, which is then converted to AC electricity by an inverter. The solar panel 111 offer numerous benefits, including renewable energy, zero emissions, energy independence, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. However, efficiency is affected by sunlight intensity, temperature, angle, and shading. Simultaneously, the electricity stored in a battery to use this electricity when sunlight is not sufficient.

[0040] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0041] Herein, multiple omnidirectional speaker 110arranged underneath the platform 101 to move the platform 101 for following the sun to capture optimal solar energy or for other requirement of the user. The speaker 110move independently on the surface and the rollers 106 and smaller speaker 110create a lateral force that allows the wheel to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The wheel’s design enables it to move on any type of surface with high agility and versatility.

[0042] The device features multiple heating units installed with the plate 201, works as another option to the user for cooking in utensils. The heating unit used herein is preferably a copper coil that generates heat when an electric current passes through the coil. When an electric current runs through a copper wire the electrons come across the resistive forces of the medium’s material, releasing energy that is expended in the form of heat energy. The copper coil is properly insulated to prevent any heat loss and also direct the generated heat toward the utensils. The heating unit begins to generate heat and as the heating element warms up, the heat causes the cooking of the food.

[0043] The present invention works best in following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the present invention is placed over the fixed surface, the plate 201 allows the user for accommodating the cooking utensil on the plate 201 placed by the user and the user provide input commands their desired food to cook over the touch interactive display panel 104. In accordance to the input, the microcontroller actuates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 captures multiple images of surroundings to monitor dimensions of the utensils, multiple primary hinges 202 to get adjust for ensuring precise accommodation of the utensils as per their detected dimensions, the reflector 204 directs the sunlight over the plate 201 after the temperature sensor monitors temperature of the plate 201. Then the motorized roller 106 get rotate for unwrapping the multiple-colored transparent sheet, multiple tertiary motorized hinge 107 moves multiple inverted U-shaped links 108deploying the sheet over mouth portion of the body 102 as means of regulating internal temperature. Further, the odor sensor monitors odors from cooking food and unwanted smells like burning, the speaker 109 alerts the user about burning of the food, the sun sensor monitors position of sun, multiple solar panel 111 to receive sunrays over the solar panel 104, multiple omnidirectional speaker 110to move the platform 101 for following the sun to capture optimal solar energy and multiple heating units works as another option for the user to cook in utensils.

[0044] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) A solar-powered cooking assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface and installed with hemi-spherical shaped body 102 a via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 103, wherein a plate 201 is provided on base of said body 102 that is accessed by a user for accommodating a cooking utensil inside said body 102;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 104 mounted on said platform 101, accessed by said user to provide input commands regarding a food item said user desires to prepare inside said utensil, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on said body 102 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of said utensil, and accordingly said microcontroller regulates actuation of multiple primary hinges 202 integrated along length of said plate 201, enabling angle of said plate 201 to be adjusted based on shape, size, and positioning of utensil;
iii) multiple rectangular frames 203 are attached to inner periphery of said body 102 via a secondary motorized hinge, and each frame 203is equipped with a reflector 204 to direct sunlight to said plate 201, wherein said secondary hinge are actuated by said microcontroller to vary intensity of sunlight reflected toward said plate 201 based on user’s input commands and temperature of plate 201 as detected by a temperature sensor mounted on said plate 201;
iv) a motorized roller 106 arranged on a top portion of said body 102 that is actuated by said microcontroller for rotating on its to unwind a multiple-colored transparent sheet followed by actuation of multiple tertiary motorized hinge 107 arranged on said body 102 for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links 108attached with said body 102 in order to deploy said sheet attached between said link, over mouth portion of said body 102, to regulate internal temperature; and
v) an odor sensor mounted on said body 102 to detect odors from cooking food and identify undesirable smells, such as burning, and upon detection of undesirable smells said microcontroller regulates activates a speaker 109 mounted on said platform 101 to produce voice alerts to notify said user regarding said condition of food.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sun sensor is attached to said platform 101 to detect position of sun, and said microcontroller automatically adjusts actuation of said ball-and-socket joint 103 to adjusts orientation of said body 102 to align with sun's position.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple heating units are arranged on said plate 201 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide supplemental heat to said cooking utensil.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple omnidirectional speakers 110 are mounted at base of said platform 101, enabling said platform 101 to automatically adjust position to follow sun for optimal solar energy capture or be manually adjusted according to user’s need.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple solar panels 111 are mounted on both sides of said platform 101 to harness sunrays incident over said solar panel 111, said electricity stored in a battery for use when sunlight intensity is insufficient or to meet user’s energy needs.