Boil detection and prevention system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooking technologies lack effective boil profile detection and control, leading to inconsistent cooking results, hazardous conditions, and appliance damage due to uncontrolled heat generation, particularly in liquid-based cooking methods.
Innovation Solution
A boil detection system utilizing remote and contactless temperature sensors and time-of-flight sensors to detect liquid temperature and level changes, with a processor that determines the boil profile and adjusts heat settings to maintain desired conditions, displayed to the user with alerts for prevention measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual observation and assessment by user is used to control heat generation, then user can adjust control mechanisms to affect boil profile, but cooking results are inconsistent and hazardous conditions may occur due to user distraction and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cooking by automatically detecting boil profiles and controlling heat generation without requiring continuous user observation or manual adjustment. The processor monitors temperature, liquid level, and boil characteristics, then autonomously adjusts the heating element to maintain desired cooking conditions, freeing the user from constant attention while ensuring consistent results
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring temperature via temperature sensor, liquid level via time of flight sensor, and boil profile characteristics, then using this information to automatically adjust heat generation. This closed-loop control ensures consistent cooking results by responding to actual cooking conditions in real-time, eliminating the inconsistency caused by manual observation
2Measurement precision
If remote and contactless temperature sensors and time of flight sensors are used to detect liquid temperature and level changes, then boil profile detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single processor to handle multiple sensor inputs (temperature sensor, time of flight sensor) and perform multiple functions (detect liquid temperature, detect liquid level, determine boil profile, control heat generation). This universal approach improves measurement precision across multiple parameters while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated control systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple detection functions into a unified boil profile detection system. The processor combines temperature data from the temperature sensor with liquid level data from the time of flight sensor to comprehensively determine boil profile characteristics. This merging of functions improves overall detection accuracy while consolidating control logic into a single processor, managing device complexity
3Reliability
If automated boil profile detection and control is implemented, then cooking consistency and safety are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system provides self-service cooking by autonomously monitoring cooking conditions and adjusting heat generation without requiring user intervention. The processor continuously analyzes temperature, liquid level, and boil characteristics, then automatically controls the heating element to maintain consistent cooking results, improving reliability while keeping the control system relatively simple through autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the processor continuously monitors temperature sensor and time of flight sensor data, compares actual conditions with target boil profile parameters, and adjusts heat generation accordingly. This automated feedback loop ensures cooking consistency while managing device complexity through centralized control logic in a single processor
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
The system ensures consistent boil profiles, reduces the risk of accidents, and enhances cooking efficiency by providing real-time monitoring and control across various cooking appliances and heat generation methods.
Implementation Method 1
a remote and contactless temperature sensor... configured to detect a temperature of liquid in a utensil
Implementation Method 2
a time of flight sensor... configured to detect a liquid level and rate of change thereof
Implementation Method 3
heat generation methods, including cooktop, free standing ranges with cooktop on top... heat generation from induction
Implementation Method 4
heat generation from induction
Data Source
AI summary
A boil detection and prevention system and method for a cooking appliance is described. The system includes a contactless temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of liquid cooking in a utensil on the appliance and a time of flight sensor for detecting a level of the liquid as accommodated within the utensil. A rate of change of the liquid level is determined and a boil profile is formed based upon the liquid temperature, liquid level and rate of change of the liquid level. Assistance with cooking may also be provided along with prevention of certain boil conditions or profiles.