Cooking Zone Power Correction Using Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of gas cooking appliances often find it challenging to set adequate power levels, particularly gas flow rates, to avoid burnt or under-heated food, as existing methods require considerable experience and do not provide effective guidance.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the actual temperature of an item being heated, calculates a rectified power level based on the actual and setpoint temperatures, and optionally displays this on a user interface to assist users in setting appropriate power levels, thereby facilitating the selection of adequate power levels during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users set power levels manually using traditional control elements, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users need considerable experience to avoid burnt or over-heated food
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual temperature of the item being heated and compares it with the setpoint temperature. Based on this feedback, the system automatically calculates and adjusts the rectified power level to remove temperature differences, eliminating the need for user experience while maintaining simple operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking appliance performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating the rectified power level based on temperature feedback and setting the appropriate power level without requiring user intervention or experience, making the system self-regulating
2Ease of operation
If the control unit continuously monitors and adjusts power levels automatically, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature, calculates the rectified power level, determines the appropriate setting, and controls the power output. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the patent minimizes additional complexity while achieving automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature monitoring, power level calculation, and power control functions into an integrated control system. The control unit merges the thermostat functionality with the power regulation system, reducing the number of separate components needed
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 method helps users avoid both over- and under-heating by adjusting power levels accordingly, ensuring optimal cooking conditions through user guidance and potential automatic adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
determining an actual temperature value representative of an actual temperature of an item, such as for example food, water, oil and the like, to be heated
Implementation Method 2
The rectified power level is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature value and setpoint temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a cooking zone (2) of a cooking appliance (1). The method includes determining an actual temperature value representative of an actual temperature of an item (6) to be heated; determining a power level (I) set on a user control device (3); and calculating a rectified power level (II) based on the actual temperature value, the actual power level (I) and a preset setpoint temperature. The rectified power level (II) is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature value and setpoint temperature and the rectified power level (II) is indicated on a user display (9, 4).