Adjusting preheating parameters according to setpoint inputs for cooking appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances face challenges in preheating cookware items effectively, as maximum power preheating can result in overheating, and closed-loop systems fail to account for temperature differences between cookware and sensors, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a controller that adjusts preheating parameters based on input temperature setpoints by determining attributes such as power levels and durations for the heating elements, allowing for a more controlled preheating phase to avoid overheating and ensure consistent temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If maximum power preheating is used, then preheating speed is improved, but cookware temperature becomes too high causing negative cooking outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating power level based on the target temperature setpoint. Different power levels are selected from a plurality of available power levels according to the specific temperature requirement, allowing the preheating process to adapt to varying cooking needs and avoid overheating while maintaining fast preheating speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the heating parameter (power level) based on the target temperature setpoint. By selecting appropriate power levels from multiple available levels according to the desired temperature, the system optimizes the preheating process to achieve the target temperature efficiently without exceeding it, thereby preventing overheating while maintaining speed.
2Device complexity
If a single preheating approach is used for multiple temperature setpoints and cookware items, then device complexity is reduced, but preheating outcome becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic preheating strategies that adapt to different target temperature setpoints and cookware characteristics. By selecting from multiple power levels and adjusting preheating duration based on specific requirements, the system achieves reliable and consistent preheating outcomes across various cooking scenarios without requiring overly complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the preheating process and adjust heating parameters accordingly. By continuously monitoring temperature and comparing it with the target setpoint, the system can adaptively adjust power levels and preheating duration to achieve consistent outcomes across different cookware items and temperature requirements, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
3Measurement precision
If closed-loop temperature monitoring is implemented, then temperature control is improved, but temperature differences between cookware and sensor cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by selecting appropriate power levels that indirectly account for the temperature measurement limitations. Rather than directly compensating for the sensor-cookware temperature difference, the system uses pre-determined power level selections based on target temperatures that inherently account for these measurement uncertainties, achieving accurate temperature control despite the measurement challenge.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise preheating, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent cooking temperatures, improving the reliability and efficiency of cooking operations by tailoring preheating parameters to specific temperature setpoints.
Implementation Method 1
A cooking appliance with a controller that adjusts preheating parameters based on input temperature setpoints by determining attributes such as power levels and durations for the heating elements
Implementation Method 2
A cooking appliance generally have one or more heating elements configured for heating a cookware item
Implementation Method 3
certain cooking appliances, often referred to as induction cooktops, provide energy in the form of an alternating magnetic field which causes the cookware item to generate heat
Implementation Method 4
provide energy in the form of an alternating magnetic field which causes the cookware item to generate heat
Implementation Method 5
causes the cookware item to generate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes at least one heating element to selectively supply heat to a cookware item; and a controller operably connected with the at least one heating element, the controller configured to direct a heating operation. The heating operation includes a preheating phase and a cooking phase. The heating operation includes receiving a temperature setpoint for the cooking phase; determining at least one attribute for the at least one heating element for the preheating phase, the at least one attribute being based on the temperature setpoint; and initiating the preheating phase by directing the at least one heating element according to the at least one determined attribute.