Cooking appliance and method for adjusting a preheating duration using

Abstract

A cooking appliance and a method for operating the same. The method includes initiating a pre-heating operation based on an initial temperature setpoint, a first pre-heating phase duration, and an initial power level. One or more temperature setpoint changes are obtained during the warm-up operation, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each corresponding to a respective setpoint change time. Each temperature setpoint change includes a respective second power level and an adjusted second warm-up duration. Based on a first attribute comprising a first warm-up phase duration and a timing-up power level, a second attribute comprising a sum of each warm-up duration in which a first temperature setpoint and a subsequent temperature setpoint are performed, and a difference between the timing-up power level and each applied previous power level, a second warm-up phase duration is determined. The warm-up operation is adjusted to the timing-up power level and the adjusted warm-up duration, and a ratio of a sum of the first and second attributes to the timing-up power level.

Description

Cooking appliance and method of adjusting preheat duration with setpoint change TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to cooking appliances, and more specifically to methods of operating a cooking appliance in the event of a temperature setpoint change. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cooking appliances generally have one or more heating elements configured to heat a cookware item. The cookware item (e.g., a deep or shallow pot) can be positioned on or near the one or more heating elements, and food (including, for example, food solids, liquids, or water) can be placed inside the cookware item for cooking. A controller can selectively energize the heating elements to provide thermal energy to the cookware item and the food placed therein. Alternatively, certain cooking appliances, commonly referred to as induction cooktops, provide energy in the form of an alternating magnetic field, which causes the cookware item to generate heat. In these types of appliances, a controller selectively energizes the heating elements or magnetic coils to heat the food until the food is properly cooked.

[0003] For cooking appliances capable of performing feedback-controlled heating operations, one or more algorithms can be used to integrate certain feedback information (e.g., temperature change, rate of temperature change, etc.) over the duration of the heating to control the power level of the heating elements. For preheat algorithms that apply a setpoint-dependent power level over the duration of the preheat phase, the recommended power level can be determined empirically. For example, a predetermined power level applied over the duration of the preheat phase is expected to cause the cookware item to reach the temperature setpoint.

[0004] However, existing methods of operating such cooking appliances suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, the preheat algorithm does not account for a user changing the temperature setpoint during the preheat phase. As a result, existing methods of operating such cooking appliances can cause the temperature at the end of the preheat phase to be significantly different from the temperature setpoint (e.g., higher or lower than the temperature setpoint, outside of a tolerance or range).

[0005] Accordingly, a cooking appliance and method of operating a cooking appliance that eliminates one or more of the above-identified deficiencies would be beneficial. SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the application will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be obvious from the description, or can be learned through practice of the application.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance including a heating element configured to selectively supply heat to a cookware item and a controller operably connected to the heating element. The controller is configured to perform an operation. The operation includes obtaining an initial temperature setting including a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level, initiating a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level, obtaining one or more temperature setting changes during the preheat operation, the one or more temperature setting changes each corresponding to a respective setting change time, wherein each temperature setting change includes a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level, and adjusting the preheat operation to a temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels and a temporally latest adjusted preheat duration. The adjusted preheat duration is based on a first attribute including the first preheat phase duration and the temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels, a second attribute including a sum of each preheat duration of the respective first temperature setting and subsequent temperature settings and a difference between the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation, and a ratio of a sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a closed loop cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes at least one heating element and a temperature sensor. The method includes obtaining an initial temperature setting including a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level, initiating a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level, obtaining one or more temperature setting changes during the preheat operation, the one or more temperature setting changes each corresponding to a respective setting change time, wherein each temperature setting change includes a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level, and adjusting the preheat operation to a temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels and a temporally latest adjusted preheat duration. The adjusted preheat duration is based on a first attribute including the first preheat phase duration and the temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels, a second attribute including a sum of each preheat duration of the respective first temperature setting and subsequent temperature settings and a difference between the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation, and a ratio of a sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes.

[0009] One aspect of the disclosure relates to a controller for a closed loop cooking appliance. The controller is configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining an initial temperature setting value, the initial temperature setting value comprising a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level; commanding initiation of a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level; obtaining one or more temperature setting value changes during the preheat operation, the one or more temperature setting value changes each corresponding to a respective setting value change time, wherein each temperature setting value change comprises a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level; and commanding adjustment of the preheat operation to a temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels and the adjusted preheat duration. The adjusted preheat duration is based on: a first attribute comprising the first preheat phase duration and the temporally latest power level of the one or more second power levels; a second attribute comprising a sum of each preheat duration of the respective first temperature setting value and subsequent temperature setting values and a difference between the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting value changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation; and a ratio of the sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the temporally latest power level of the one or more temperature setting value changes.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and serve to explain the principles of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the embodiments of the application in greater detail.

[0012] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an oven range in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 provides a side cutaway view of the example oven range of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 provides a table showing example preheat power levels and durations for various temperature settings.

[0015] FIG. 4A provides a graph showing example preheat duration adjustments as a function of temperature setting in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4B provides a graph showing example preheat duration adjustments as a function of temperature setting in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, including example non-limiting values.

[0017] FIG. 5 provides a flowchart outlining steps of a method for operating a cooking appliance, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6A provides a graph illustrating an exemplary power level versus preheat phase duration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6B provides a graph illustrating an exemplary power level versus preheat phase duration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7A provides a graph illustrating an exemplary power level versus preheat phase duration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7B provides a graph illustrating an exemplary power level versus preheat phase duration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 provides a graph illustrating an exemplary power level versus preheat phase duration, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] The repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the application, not limitation of the application. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application encompass such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The term "includes" is intended to be analogous to the term "comprising," and is meant to be inclusive. Similarly, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). Additionally, ranges restrict can be combined and / or interchanged herein and in the specification and claims. Such ranges are determinate and include all subranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For instance, all ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints, and the endpoints can be combined independently of one another. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Approximating language can be used herein to convey the approximate but not exact nature of one or more quantifiable values as understood by those in the relevant art and / or to convey the relative closeness or approximation of one or more values or signals to one or more other values or signals. Hence, the use of terms such as "about," "approximately," "substantially" and "approximately” can refer to values that are within ten percent (10%) of a stated value, in some instances. In this regard, for example, such terms include a range of values within ten percent (10%) of a stated value, e.g., "about 50%" includes a range of values from 45% to 55%. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include a range of values within ten degrees of a stated angle or direction, e.g., "generally vertical" includes an angle within ten degrees of the vertical direction V in either direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0027] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." At the very least, therefore, a reference to an "exemplary embodiment" or an "one embodiment" does not imply that a feature is essential to the practice of the application, although it can be in some instances. In addition, it is noted that each of the regions described herein as "exemplary" or "one embodiment" can include a variety of implementations and that the features described in relation to one region can be combined with features described in relation to another region. Furthermore, each example is provided by way of explanation of the application, not limitation of the application. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application covers all modifications and variations of this application. It is intended that the scope of the application should not be limited by the above descriptions but construed as including all possible variations and modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0028] Embodiments of a cooking appliance and methods for operating a cooking appliance are provided that address one or more of the above-described problems. In various embodiments of a cooking appliance configured for a closed loop cooking (CLC) process, the power level applied by the cooktop heating element can vary from 0% (minimum) to 100% (maximum). During CLC, a user provides a temperature setpoint or target for the food directly or indirectly (e.g., direct temperature selection or indirect temperature selection corresponding to food type selection, cooking menu, etc.). In various embodiments, the cooking appliance is configured to apply a constant power during a preheat phase for a predefined amount of time, as compared to an algorithm that includes a temperature error-based algorithm (e.g., a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller). For example, the cooking appliance is configured to apply a constant power during a preheat phase for a predefined amount of time, as opposed to applying a power amount that varies according to a current temperature error between a sensor temperature and a temperature setpoint and throughout the preheat and cooking process. The initial power level applied can be determined by a user-defined temperature setpoint. When a temperature setpoint change is received from the user during the preheat phase (e.g., from articulation of an input or dial by the user to change the temperature setpoint), embodiments of the apparatus and control methods provided herein adjust the remaining preheat time with a recommended setpoint-related power level. The methods, controllers, and cooking appliances provided herein can advantageously and beneficially improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and avoid over- or under-cooking of the cookware.

[0029] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a cooking appliance or oven range 10 including a cooktop 12, and FIG. 2 provides a side cutaway view of the cooking appliance 10. The cooking appliance 10 is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the subject matter to the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the subject matter can be used with other ranges 10 and / or cooktop 12 configurations, such as a double oven range appliance. As shown, the cooking appliance 10 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which are perpendicular to one another such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. The cooking appliance 10 includes a cabinet 101 that extends along the vertical direction V between a top 103 and a bottom 105, along the lateral direction L between a left side 107 and a right side 109, and along the transverse direction T between a front 111 and a back 113.

[0030] The cooking surface 14 of the cooktop 12 can include a plurality of heating elements 16. For the depicted embodiment, the cooktop 12 includes five heating elements 16 spaced along the cooking surface 14. The heating elements 16 can be electric heating elements and located, for example, at or near the cooking surface 14. In certain example embodiments, the cooktop 12 is a radiant cooktop having electric resistance heating elements or coils mounted below the cooking surface 14. However, in other embodiments, the cooktop appliance 12 includes other suitable shapes, configurations, and / or numbers of heating elements 16, for example, the cooktop 12 can be an open coil stove with the heating elements 16 located on or above the surface 14. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, the cooktop 12 can include any other suitable type of heating elements 16, such as induction heating elements. Each of the heating elements 16 can be the same type of heating element 16, or the cooktop 12 can include a combination of different types of heating elements 16.

[0031] As mentioned, the heating elements 16 can be induction heating elements. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the appliance 10 can supply current to the heating elements 16 (e.g., such as Lenz coils). In this manner, the current can flow through the heating elements 16 to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be a high frequency alternating magnetic field. The magnetic field can be directed at and through the cooktop appliance 12 to a cookware item (e.g., cookware item 18 described below). In particular, as the magnetic field penetrates the cookware item 18, the magnetic field induces an alternating current within the cookware item 18. The material properties of the cookware item 18 can limit the flow of the induced current and convert the induced current into heat within the cookware item 18. As the cookware item 18 heats up, the contents contained within the cookware item 18 also heat up. In this manner, the induction heating elements can cook the contents of the cookware item 18.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, a cooking appliance (or cookware item) 18 (such as a deep pan, a shallow pan, etc.) can be placed on the heating elements 16 to heat the cookware item 18 and cook or heat food placed within the cookware item 18. The cooking appliance 10 can also include a door 20 that permits access to a cooking chamber 104 of the oven range 10, for example, to cook or bake food therein. A control panel 22 having controls 24 can permit a user to make selections for food cooking. Although shown as being located on a rear panel or rear panel 26 of the oven range 10, the control panel 22 can be located in any suitable location.

[0033] The control devices 24 can include buttons, knobs, and the like, and combinations thereof, and / or the control devices 24 can be implemented on a remote user interface device such as a smartphone. For example, a user can manipulate one or more of the control devices 24 to select a temperature and / or heat output or power output for each of the heating elements 16 and the cooking chamber 104. The selected temperature or heat output of the heating elements 16 affects the heat transferred to cookware items 18 placed on the heating elements 16. A display 28 can be provided (e.g., on or in the control panel 22). The display 28 can display information about a cooking operation or input from a user regarding the cooking operation. The display 28 can be any suitable display capable of providing visual feedback, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a segmented display, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the display 28 can be a touch display capable of receiving touch input from a user.

[0034] The cooktop appliance 12 can further include or be in operative communication with a processing device or controller 50, which can generally be configured to facilitate appliance operation. In this regard, the control panel 22, control devices 24, and display 28 can be in communication with the controller 50 such that the controller 50 can receive control inputs from the control devices 24, can use the display 28 to display information, and can otherwise regulate operation of the cooking appliance 10. For example, signals generated by the controller 50 can operate the cooking appliance 10 (including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnecting devices) in response to positions of the control devices 24 and other control commands. The control panel 22 and other components of the appliance 10 can communicate with the controller 50 via, for example, one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. In this way, input / output (“I / O”) signals can be routed between the controller 50 and various operational components of the appliance 10.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "processing device," "computing device," or "controller" or the like can generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general purpose or special purpose microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic device, central processing unit(s) (CPU(s)), graphics processing unit(s) (GPU(s)), processing unit(s) that perform other specialized computations, semiconductor device, and the like. Additionally, these "controllers" are not necessarily limited to a single element, but can comprise any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate operation of the appliance. Alternatively, the controller 50 can be built without the use of a microprocessor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog and / or digital logic circuits, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND / OR gates, and the like, to perform the control functions rather than relying on software.

[0036] The controller 50 can include or be associated with one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices can be separate from the processor(s) or can be included within the processor(s) on board. Additionally, these memory devices can store information and / or data that is accessible by the processor(s), including instructions that can be executed by the processor(s). It will be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and / or virtually using separate threads on the processor(s).

[0037] For example, the controller 50 can be operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with an operational cycle of the cooking appliance 10. In this regard, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, and the like. Further, it should be noted that the controller 50 as disclosed herein is capable of and operable to perform any of the methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be embodied in programmed instructions stored in memory and executed by the controller 50.

[0038] The memory device can also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by one or more processors or portions of controller 50. This data can include, for example, data that facilitates the performance of the methods described herein. This data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 50) in one or more databases, and / or can be split up so that data portions are stored on multiple locations. Additionally or alternatively, one or more databases can be connected to controller 50 by any suitable network, such as by a high-bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 50 can further include a communications module or interface that can be used to communicate with one or more other components of appliance 10, controller 50, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, for example, via any suitable communication line or network and using any suitable communication protocol. The communications interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

[0039] Cooking appliance 10 can include a temperature sensor 40. Temperature sensor 40 can be configured to selectively sense a temperature of a cookware item (e.g., cookware item 18) as the cookware item is heated. For example, temperature sensor 40 can be integrally formed with cooking appliance 10 (e.g., formed within cooktop 12, within cooking chamber 104, etc.). In some embodiments, temperature sensor 40 is operably connected to cooking appliance 10 (e.g., via a port or receptacle, via a remote connection, etc.). For example, temperature sensor 40 is disposed within cookware item 18 and operably connected to controller 50 during a cooking operation. Temperature sensor 40 can monitor a temperature of cookware item 18 or a food provided within cookware item 18. Accordingly, temperature sensor 40 can deliver a signal (e.g., a voltage signal) representative of the temperature of cookware item 18 to controller 50. The signal can be sent according to a predetermined frequency (e.g., at predetermined time intervals). Accordingly, controller 50 can analyze the temperature or temperature changes of cookware item 18.

[0040] In various embodiments, temperature sensor 40 is configured to monitor a temperature of cookware item 18. For example, temperature sensor 40 is operably connected to controller 50 to perform operations (e.g., steps of method 500) according to a starting temperature obtained from temperature sensor 40. For example, the operations can include monitoring a temperature of the cookware item via the temperature sensor.

[0041] As used herein, "temperature sensor" or equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measurement system or device located in any suitable location for measuring a desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 40 can be any suitable type of temperature sensor such as a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. Additionally, temperature sensor 40 can be located in any suitable location and can output a signal (such as a voltage) to the controller that is proportional to or indicative of the measured temperature. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it will be appreciated that appliance 10 can include any other suitable number, type, and location of temperature sensors or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.

[0042] Having now introduced the construction of cooking appliance 10 and the configuration of controller 50 according to exemplary embodiments, an exemplary method for operating the cooking appliance (hereinafter "method 500") will be described. Although the discussion herein relates to exemplary method 500 for operating cooking appliance 10, those skilled in the art will appreciate that exemplary method 500 can be applicable to the operation of various other cooking appliances (e.g., generally closed loop cooking (CLC) appliances). In exemplary embodiments, individual method steps as disclosed herein can be performed by controller 50 or a separate dedicated controller.

[0043] FIG. 3 provides a table 300 illustrating exemplary predetermined preheat power levels and durations for individual temperature setpoints. Table 300 provides the same preheat duration for all temperature setpoints, however, it will be appreciated that the preheat duration can vary with setpoint (i.e., different preheat durations for one or more temperature setpoints). For example, the preheat duration can be shorter for lower temperature setpoints and longer for higher temperature setpoints. Temperature setpoints between the predetermined values provided in table 300 can be interpolated to determine the preheat power level, duration, or both.

[0044] FIG. 4A provides a graph 401 illustrating exemplary preheat duration adjustments (axis 412) as a function of temperature setpoint (axis 411). FIG. 4B provides a graph 402 illustrating exemplary preheat duration adjustments as a function of temperature setpoint using non-limiting exemplary values. Graphs 401, 402 depict an initial temperature setpoint (line 413, “temperature setpoint 1”), a temperature setpoint change (line 414, “temperature setpoint 2”), and a time of temperature setpoint change (line 415, “setpoint change”). An initial power level (line 416, “power level setpoint 1”) and a preheat phase duration (line 417A, “preheat complete setpoint 1”) corresponding to temperature setpoint 1 are imposed, such as via user input (e.g., directly or indirectly through controller 24 or display 28, or from controller 50).

[0045] After the user changes the temperature setpoint (i.e., after receiving temperature setpoint 2, such as through control 24, display 28, or controller 50), a changed power level (line 419, “power level setpoint 2”) corresponding to the temperature setpoint change (line 414, “temperature setpoint 2”) extends from the setpoint change time (line 415) to achieve temperature setpoint 2 during an adjusted preheat phase duration (line 417B).

[0046] For example, with reference to FIG. 4B, an initial temperature setpoint of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (F) can be received 450. With reference to table 300 (FIG. 3), the corresponding preheat power level for 450 F is 39% for a preheat phase duration of 150 seconds. At time 70 seconds, a setpoint change is received, and the temperature setpoint change (temperature setpoint 2) is 350 F. With reference to table 300 (FIG. 3), the corresponding preheat power level for 350 F is 30%. Method 500 further described herein determines that the adjusted preheat duration for 350 F is 129 seconds from the setpoint change at 70 seconds, in contrast to the database or recommended preheat duration for 350 F of 150 seconds in table 300.

[0047] FIG. 5 provides an exemplary flowchart outlining steps of a method 500 for operating a closed loop cooking appliance, such as in accordance with embodiments depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 1-2. Steps of the method 500 include methods of adjusting a preheat phase duration after obtaining a temperature setpoint change. It should be appreciated that the steps of the method 500 can be stored as instructions that, when executed, cause the cooking appliance to perform operations. In various embodiments, the instructions are stored at the controller 50 in any desired encoding format. Additionally, the instructions can be stored at the controller 50 or distributed across the controller 50 and one or more other computing devices (e.g., remote computing devices, cloud computing devices, etc.). As generally described herein, the steps of the method 500 can be stored and / or executed at a controller (e.g., the controller 50) operably connected to a heating element. The heating element is configured to perform a heating operation in accordance with commands or signals based on the method 500, such as signals obtained, received from the controller or transmitted to the controller.

[0048] The method 500 includes obtaining a first temperature setpoint or initial temperature setpoint at 510, such as described with respect to the temperature setpoint 1. The method 500 includes obtaining a first preheat phase duration and a first power level or initial power level based on the initial temperature setpoint at 520. In various embodiments, the initial temperature setpoint corresponds to a beginning of a preheat operation (e.g., t = 0).

[0049] The method 500 includes obtaining the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level corresponding to the initial temperature setpoint from a database (such as a lookup table, a time table, a graph, other reference, such as exemplarily depicted and described with respect to FIG. 3) at 520. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the method 500 can include obtaining a command signal corresponding to the temperature setpoint 1 (e.g., line 413 in FIGS. 4A-4B, such as the exemplary setpoint of 450F in FIG. 4B) from a user at 510. The method 500 obtains (e.g., from a database such as exemplarily depicted in FIG. 3) the initial power level (e.g., 39%) for the first preheat phase duration (e.g., 150 seconds) corresponding to the temperature setpoint 1 at 520.

[0050] The method 500 includes initiating a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level at 530. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the method 500 includes initiating a preheat operation for the first preheat phase duration corresponding to line 417A and the initial power level (power level setpoint 1) corresponding to line 416 at 530.

[0051] The method 500 includes obtaining a temperature setpoint change corresponding to a setpoint change time during the preheat operation, at 540. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the method 500 includes obtaining a temperature setpoint change, such as corresponding to line 415 (e.g., at time = 70 seconds in FIG. 4B), during the preheat operation (e.g., at time < 150 seconds in FIG. 4B), at 540. In various embodiments, the method 500 includes obtaining one or more temperature setpoint changes each corresponding to a respective setpoint change time, during the preheat operation, at 540. In further various embodiments, obtaining one or more temperature setpoint changes is a serial sequence corresponding to respective setpoint change times, setpoint durations, and power levels, such as further described herein.

[0052] Each temperature setpoint change includes a respective database or lookup table power level (e.g., a respective second power level) and a respective preheat duration (e.g., a respective second preheat duration), such as described with respect to FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 4B, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, a user inputs a command to change a temperature setpoint from temperature setpoint 1 (line 413, e.g., 450F) to temperature setpoint 2 (line 414, e.g., 350F) at a setpoint change time (line 415, e.g., 70 seconds). With reference to FIG. 3, a preheat power level corresponding to a temperature setpoint of 350F corresponds to a 30% power level with a recommended preheat duration of 150 seconds. Embodiments of the method 500 include initiating a second power level at the temperature setpoint change time. However, as further provided herein, embodiments of the method 500 further generate an adjusted preheat duration that is different than the database preheat duration.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, graphs 601, 602 are provided that illustrate one aspect of the method 500. The graphs 601, 602 generally illustrate power area under the curve, including an exemplary power level (axis 611) versus preheat phase duration (axis 612). The graph 601 illustrates an exemplary temperature setpoint increase. The graph 602 illustrates an exemplary temperature setpoint decrease.

[0054] Area Al illustrates the power area observed when a first temperature setpoint or initial temperature setpoint is active. Area Al corresponds to the area extending from time t = 0 at axis 611 to the setpoint change time at line 615 (corresponding to setpoint change time 415 in FIGS. 4A-4B) and from axis 612 to the first power level PL SP1 (corresponding to first power level 416 in FIGS. 4A-4B).

[0055] Area A2 shows the desired power area when the second temperature setpoint is active.

[0056] Area A3 shows the expected power area when the second temperature setpoint is active from the beginning (t=0) to the end (e.g., with respect to Figure 3).

[0057] For example, referring to the example at Figure 4B, the user inputs a second temperature setpoint of 350F into the preheating phase duration at 70 seconds. Referring to the example in Figure 3, the database preheating power level corresponding to 350F is 30%, lasting for 150 seconds. Area A3 represents the expected power area when the second temperature setpoint (e.g., 350F) is active from the start until 150 seconds. Area A3 is related to the preheating completion (e.g., 150 seconds based on Figure 3) extending from time t=0 at axis 611 to line 617A and the second power level PL extending from axis 612 to line 619. SP2 (For example, the area corresponding to 30% of the second temperature setting value 350F in Figure 3).

[0058] Referring to Figures 7A-7B, graphs 701 and 702 illustrate additional or alternative aspects of method 500. Graphs 701 and 702 generally show the power area under the curve, depicting the difference between recommended power levels for the first and second temperature setpoints, or between the adjusted preheating phase duration and the recommended preheating phase duration (e.g., obtained from a database or lookup table depicted in Figure 3).

[0059] Area A 11 The power area difference observed between the recommended power levels for the first and second temperature settings is shown.

[0060] Area A 22 The desired power area difference between the adjusted preheating stage duration and the recommended preheating stage duration for the second temperature setpoint is shown.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7A, A 11 This indicates that the set value changes (A) 22 This should then be added to the first preheating stage duration (t). PH The power area of ​​) is adjusted in front (t) SP1 Within seconds at a low power level (PL) SP1 <PL SP2 )run.

[0062] Refer to Figure 7B, A 11 This indicates that the set value changes (A) 22 After that, the duration of the first preheating stage (t) needs to be adjusted.PH ) subtracted power area to adjust for pre- (t SP1 ) seconds at a higher power level (PL SP1 > PL SP2 ) run.

[0063] The method 500 includes adjusting the preheat operation at 550 to a timing- latest power level of the one or more second power levels and an adjusted preheat duration. Because the method 500 runs at the power area Al (e.g., depicted in FIGS. 6A-6B) at 530 for a duration corresponding to the start-to-setpoint change time 615 (e.g., line 415 in FIGS. 4A-4B) obtained at 540, the method 500 adjusts the power level area A2 at 550 such that the total area Al + A2 equals the desired area A3. The method 500 includes at 550 determining the adjusted preheat duration for the latest temperature setpoint based on the recommended power level for the latest setpoint (such as a second power level corresponding to the temperature setpoint change, such as based on the exemplary database depicted in FIG. 3), the total preheat duration (i.e., the preheat duration corresponding to the first temperature setpoint, such as based on the exemplary database depicted in FIG. 3), the sum of the preheat durations for the first temperature setpoint and the subsequent temperature setpoint, and each previous power level for the temperature setpoint change.

[0064] Thus, the method 500 adjusts the preheat duration at 550 (e.g., t PH * line 617B), and applies the timing-latest power level (e.g., PL SP2 line 619) with each temperature setpoint change during the preheat operation, which contrasts with applying the preheat duration corresponding to the database (e.g., in contrast to applying the preheat duration of FIG. 3).

[0065] For example, with reference to FIG. 4B, the method 500 applies the power level 30% level at 550 to achieve the second temperature setpoint of 350F (i.e., setpoint change) in 129 seconds (rather than 150 seconds corresponding to the 350F temperature setpoint of the database (e.g., FIG. 3)). Thus, the method 500 adjusts the preheat duration to bring the cookware temperature to the second temperature setpoint (“temperature setpoint 2”) to achieve a total power area equal to the area A3 corresponding to the second temperature setpoint.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method 500 includes adjusting the preheat operation at 550 to the adjusted preheat duration based on a ratio of the first attribute, the second attribute, and a sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the timing-latest power level of the one or more temperature setpoint changes.

[0067] In some embodiments, the ratio comprises:

[0068] where t PH is a first pre-heat phase duration corresponding to the initial temperature setting based on a lookup table or database (e.g., FIG. 3); t SP1 is a length of time or duration that the first temperature setting or initial temperature setting is active; PL SP1 is a first initial power level or initial power level corresponding to the first temperature setting based on a database (e.g., FIG. 3); PL SP2 is a second power level corresponding to the second temperature setting based on a database (e.g., FIG. 3); and t PH * is an adjusted pre-heat duration determined when the second temperature setting is obtained. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, t SP2 is a remaining pre-heat phase duration after t PH has elapsed according to a pre-heat phase duration (t SP1 ) corresponding to the initial temperature setting based on a lookup table or database (e.g., FIG. 3); t SP2 * is an adjusted remaining pre-heat phase duration determined when the second temperature setting (e.g., line 615) is obtained. t SP2 * is determined as a difference between t PH * and t SP1 (i.e., t PH * -t SP1 ).

[0069] The first attribute includes the first pre-heat phase duration and a chronologically latest power level (e.g., a chronologically latest power level of the one or more second power levels). For example, the first attribute includes a pre-heat phase duration (t PH ) and a second power level (PL SP2 ) corresponding to a temperature setting change (the second temperature setting) based on a database.

[0070] The second attribute includes a duration that the initial temperature setting is active and a power level at which the pre-heat operation is performed. For example, the second attribute includes a duration (t SP1 ) that the initial temperature setting is active and a difference (PL SP2 -PL SP1 ) between the second power level and the first power level.

[0071] For example, with reference to the example non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4B, t PH is a preheat phase duration of 150 seconds corresponding to the initial temperature setting of 450F based on a lookup table or database; t SP1 is a time length or duration of 70 seconds (e.g., line 415) that the first temperature setting or initial temperature setting is active before obtaining a temperature setting change; PL SP1 is a first power level of 39% corresponding to the first temperature setting of 450F based on a database; PL SP2 is a second power level of 30% corresponding to the second temperature setting of 350F based on a database; and t PH * is an adjusted preheat duration of 129 seconds determined for the temperature setting change from 450F to 350F (e.g., depicted at line 417B).

[0072] In some embodiments, the method 500 includes adjusting the preheat operation to an adjusted second preheat duration at 560 after adjusting the preheat operation to the adjusted preheat duration (e.g., the adjusted first preheat duration). The method 500 includes obtaining a plurality of temperature setting changes at 560. For example, the method 500 can include obtaining a plurality of second temperature setting values.

[0073] For example, with reference to FIG. 8, the graph 800 illustrates additional or alternative aspects of the method 500 in which a plurality of second temperature setting values are obtained. In this non-limiting example, the first temperature setting provides an initial temperature setting; the second temperature setting provides a first setting change; and the third temperature setting provides a second setting change sequentially after the first setting change. The graph 800 generally illustrates the power area under the curve, depicting the difference between the recommended power levels of the first temperature setting (line 616), the second temperature setting (line 619A) obtained sequentially after the first temperature setting, and the third temperature setting (line 619B) obtained sequentially after the second temperature setting.

[0074] Area A 11 illustrates the observed power area difference between the recommended power levels of the first temperature setting (line 616) and the third temperature setting (line 619B, obtained at a time corresponding to line 615B).

[0075] Area A 22 illustrates the observed power area difference between the recommended power levels of the second temperature setting (line 619A, obtained at a time corresponding to line 615A) and the third temperature setting (line 619B).

[0076] Area A33 The desired power area difference (e.g., t PH * and t PH are line 617B and line 617A, respectively).

[0077] The method 500 includes adjusting the preheat operation to an adjusted preheat phase duration based on the first attribute, the second attribute, the third attribute, and a ratio of the first attribute, the second attribute, and the third attribute to a most recent in time power level of one or more temperature setpoint changes at 550.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ratio includes

[0079] where PL SP3 is a most recent in time database power level (e.g., FIG. 3) corresponding to the most recent in time temperature setpoint change (e.g., the second temperature setpoint change); PL SP2 is a database power level (e.g., FIG. 3) corresponding to the first temperature setpoint change; PL SP1 is an initial database power level (e.g., FIG. 3) corresponding to the initial temperature setpoint; t PH is a first database preheat phase duration corresponding to the initial temperature setpoint; t SP1 is a duration that the initial temperature setpoint was active; t SP2 is a duration that a subsequent temperature setpoint was active (i.e., a duration corresponding to the duration of PL SP2 ; and t PH * is an adjusted preheat duration determined at a time that the most recent in time temperature setpoint was obtained. With reference to FIG. 8, t SP3 is a remaining preheat phase duration after t PH and t SP1 based on a lookup table or database (e.g., FIG. 3) corresponding to the initial temperature setpoint (t SP2 ); t SP3 * is an adjusted remaining preheat phase duration determined when a third temperature setpoint (e.g., line 615B) is obtained. t SP3 * is determined as a difference between t PH * and t SP1 ; and t SP2 PH * -t SP1 -t​SP2 ).

[0080] The first attribute includes a first preheat phase duration (t PH ) and a most recent database power level (PL SP3 ). The second attribute includes a duration (t SP1 ) that an initial temperature setting is active and a difference (PL SP3 - PL SP1 ) in power levels corresponding to the third temperature setting and the first temperature setting (i.e., database power levels). The third attribute includes a duration (t SP2 ) that a second temperature setting is active and a difference (PL SP3 - PL SP2 ) in power levels corresponding to the third temperature setting and the second temperature setting (i.e., database power levels).

[0081] In some embodiments, the method 500 includes, at 550, determining an adjusted preheat duration (t PH * ) for a most recent temperature setting change based on the first attribute, the second attribute, and a ratio of the sum of the first and second attributes to a most recent power level in the one or more temperature setting changes.

[0082] In some embodiments, the ratio includes

[0083] The first attribute includes a first preheat phase duration (t PH ) and a most recent database power level The second attribute includes a sum of each preheat duration for each temperature setting and a difference between a most recent power level in the one or more temperature setting changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation.

[0084] N is a total amount of temperature settings prior to a most recent temperature setting change and t PH * is an adjusted preheat duration after the most recent temperature setting N.

[0085] In various embodiments, limits can be included with respect to power level, application time, or variations therein. In some embodiments, the adjusted preheat operation is not adjusted for more than a maximum preheat phase duration. For example, the adjusted preheat duration is limited to an allowed preheat duration range (e.g., the allowed preheat duration range is not less than the current preheat time at which the latest setpoint change was obtained, nor more than 300 seconds).

[0086] In still other embodiments, the preheat operation is prohibited from being adjusted within a time range (e.g., t PH * X * ) prior to completion of the latest determined adjusted preheat operation. For example, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the preheat operation is prohibited from being adjusted within 10 seconds, or 20 seconds, or 30 seconds, etc. from the latest determined adjusted preheat completion time.

[0087] In yet other embodiments, the setpoint temperature change can be limited to a maximum change magnitude. For example, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the temperature setpoint increase compared to a previous setpoint can be limited to 50F, or the temperature setpoint decrease compared to a previous setpoint can be limited to 60F, and so on.

[0088] In still other embodiments, the method 500 can limit the number of setpoint changes (e.g., limited to one, or two, or three, etc. setpoint changes within the preheat phase duration).

[0089] In still other embodiments, the method 500 includes interrupting the preheat operation at a completion time corresponding to the latest adjusted preheat phase duration (e.g., t PH * ) at 570. Interrupting the preheat operation can include transitioning to another cooking process, such as but not limited to a standby process, a process to maintain a stable state cooktop temperature, or a scheduled cooking process.

[0090] Embodiments of the method 500 provided herein can include a property, ratio, product, or difference determined from an equation or lookup table, database, curve, schedule, etc. provided herein, such as depicted or described herein. A database such as FIG. 3 can include interpolation or extrapolation of one or more setpoints between or outside of discrete values that can be contained in the database.

[0091] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance comprising: a heating element configured to selectively supply heat to a cookware item; and a controller operably connected to the heating element, the controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining an initial temperature setting comprising a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level; initiating a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level; obtaining one or more temperature setting changes during the preheat operation, each of the one or more temperature setting changes corresponding to a respective setting change time, wherein each temperature setting change comprises a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level; adjusting the preheat operation to a chronologically latest power level of the one or more second power levels and a chronologically latest adjusted preheat duration, wherein the adjusted preheat duration is based on: a first attribute comprising the first preheat phase duration and the chronologically latest power level of the one or more second power levels, a second attribute comprising a sum of each preheat duration of a respective first temperature setting and a subsequent temperature setting and a difference between the chronologically latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation, and a ratio of a sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the chronologically latest power level of the one or more temperature setting changes.

2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, the operations comprising: interrupting the preheat operation at a completion time corresponding to the chronologically latest adjusted preheat duration.

3. The cooking appliance of claim 1, the operations comprising: interrupting the preheat operation if the determined adjusted preheat duration is less than or equal to an elapsed preheat duration. obtaining the initial temperature setting corresponds to a start of the preheat operation.

4. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, obtaining the one or more temperature setting changes comprises one or more temperature setting changes in a serial sequence corresponding to respective setting change times, setting duration, and power levels.

5. The cooking appliance of claim 4, wherein, 6. The cooking appliance of claim 1, comprising: a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of a cookware item, the temperature sensor operably connected to the controller to perform operations starting from a starting temperature obtained from the temperature detector. obtaining the initial temperature setting and obtaining the one or more temperature setting changes comprises receiving user input.

7. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, obtaining the initial temperature setting comprises obtaining the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level from a database, the initial temperature setting comprising first preheat phase durations and initial power levels each corresponding to the initial temperature setting.

8. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, ​ 9. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein, Obtaining the one or more temperature setpoint changes includes obtaining each second power level from a database, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each including a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level.

10. A method for operating a closed loop cooking appliance, the cooking appliance including at least one heating element and a temperature sensor, the method comprising: obtaining an initial temperature setpoint, the initial temperature setpoint including a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level; initiating a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level; obtaining one or more temperature setpoint changes during the preheat operation, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each corresponding to a respective setpoint change time, wherein each temperature setpoint change includes a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level; adjusting the preheat operation to a chronologically latest power level of the one or more second power levels and a chronologically latest adjusted preheat duration, wherein the adjusted preheat duration is based on: a first attribute including the first preheat phase duration and the chronologically latest power level of the one or more second power levels, a second attribute including a sum of each preheat duration of a respective first temperature setpoint and a subsequent temperature setpoint and a difference between the chronologically latest power level of the one or more temperature setpoint changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation, and a ratio of the sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the chronologically latest power level of the one or more temperature setpoint changes.

11. The method of claim 10, the method comprising: interrupting the preheat operation at a completion time corresponding to the chronologically latest adjusted preheat duration.

12. The method of claim 10, the method comprising: interrupting the preheat operation if the determined adjusted preheat duration is less than or equal to an elapsed preheat duration.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, obtaining the initial temperature setpoint corresponds to a start of the preheat operation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, obtaining the one or more temperature setpoint changes includes one or more temperature setpoint changes in a serial sequence corresponding to respective setpoint change times, setpoint durations, and power levels.

15. The method of claim 10, comprising: monitoring a temperature of a cookware item via a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is operably connected to the controller to perform operations beginning with a starting temperature obtained from the temperature detector.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, obtaining the initial temperature setpoint and obtaining the one or more temperature setpoint changes includes receiving user input.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein, obtaining the initial temperature setpoint includes obtaining the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level from a database, the initial temperature setpoint including a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level each corresponding to the initial temperature setpoint.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein, Obtaining the one or more temperature setpoint changes includes obtaining each second power level from a database, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each including a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level.

19. A controller for a closed loop cooking appliance, the controller configured to perform operations comprising: obtaining an initial temperature setpoint, the initial temperature setpoint including a first preheat phase duration and an initial power level; commanding initiation of a preheat operation based on the first preheat phase duration and the initial power level; obtaining one or more temperature setpoint changes during the preheat operation, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each corresponding to a respective setpoint change time, wherein each temperature setpoint change includes a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level; commanding adjustment of the preheat operation to a timing most recent power level of the one or more second power levels and an adjusted preheat duration, wherein the adjusted preheat duration is based on: a first attribute including the first preheat phase duration and the timing most recent power level of the one or more second power levels, a second attribute including a sum of each preheat duration of a respective first temperature setpoint and a subsequent temperature setpoint of the one or more temperature setpoint changes and a difference between the timing most recent power level of the one or more temperature setpoint changes and each previous power level applied during the preheat operation, and a ratio of a sum of the first attribute and the second attribute to the timing most recent power level of the one or more temperature setpoint changes.

20. The controller of claim 19, wherein, Obtaining the one or more temperature setpoint changes includes obtaining each second power level from a database, the one or more temperature setpoint changes each including a respective adjusted second preheat duration and a respective second power level.

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