Cooking Hob Sensor Calibration for Temperature Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking devices with automatic functions face challenges in accurately determining and controlling temperature, especially when using different cooking containers or when containers are moved during cooking, leading to potential overheating and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A cooking device with a sensor system that detects thermal radiation from the bottom of cooking containers, performs calibration based on container movement, and adjusts heating output accordingly, using induction heating and a control device to maintain accurate temperature monitoring across various containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor device is used to detect temperature of cooking containers without contact, then the automatic function can control heating output to prevent overheating, but the reliability and accuracy of temperature determination deteriorates when containers are moved or exchanged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of temperature determinationVSAvoidadaptability to different cooking containers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration when a cooking container is detected on the heating surface. The sensor device measures the actual thermal radiation emitted by the container bottom and stores this calibration data. This preliminary action ensures that the emissivity values are updated before temperature measurement begins, resolving the contradiction by preparing accurate calibration data for each specific container type before use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the cooking process and compares actual temperature measurements with expected values. When deviations are detected, the control device adjusts the heating output dynamically. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable temperature determination even when container positions vary, as the system adapts to real-time conditions rather than relying on fixed pre-programmed values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the sensor device detects thermal radiation from the bottom of cooking containers, then temperature can be determined without contact, but the measurement precision deteriorates when containers are moved during cooking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of temperature measurementVSAvoidease of using different cooking containers
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration when a cooking container is detected on the heating surface. The sensor device measures the actual thermal radiation emitted by the container bottom and stores this calibration data. This preliminary action ensures that the emissivity values are updated before temperature measurement begins, resolving the contradiction by preparing accurate calibration data for each specific container type before use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its measurement and control parameters based on real-time detection of container presence and position. When a container is moved or a different container is placed on the heating surface, the system detects this change and triggers a new calibration cycle. This dynamic adaptation maintains measurement precision without requiring manual intervention or complex user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If automatic functions are implemented to control heating output, then unwanted overheating of food can be avoided, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of automatic functionVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration automatically when cooking containers are placed on or removed from the heating surface. The sensor device autonomously measures thermal radiation characteristics and the control device automatically updates emission values without user intervention. This self-service capability maintains reliable automatic function while minimizing the need for complex manual calibration procedures or external reference standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the cooking process and compares actual temperature measurements with expected values. When deviations are detected, the control device adjusts the heating output dynamically. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable temperature determination even when container positions vary, as the system adapts to real-time conditions rather than relying on fixed pre-programmed values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures reliable and accurate temperature determination and control, preventing overheating and allowing for seamless operation with different cooking vessels, including copper pans and stainless steel pots, even when containers are moved or exchanged.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor device preferably detects the thermal radiation emanating from the bottom of the cooking product container. In particular, the temperature of the bottom of the food container is determined by means of thermal radiation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The heating device preferably comprises at least one induction device. The induction device is designed in particular as an induction heating source and comprises at least one induction coil.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3031297B1Cooking equipement and method to control the said equipement
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3031297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3031297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3031297B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The method according to the invention is suitable for operating a cooking device with a cooking hob and a heating device provided for heating a cooking area. A control device and a sensor device for detecting a characteristic variable for temperatures of the cooking area are provided. The control device controls the heating device as a function of the variable detected by the sensor device. The positioning of a food container in the cooking area is registered. If a food container is registered in the cooking area, at least one calibration of the sensor device is carried out.