Cooking Zone Temperature Feedback for Precise Power Setting
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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 overheated food, requiring significant experience and manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the actual temperature of the item being heated, calculates a rectified power level based on the actual and setpoint temperatures, and indicates this level on a user interface, allowing users to adjust settings more accurately, with automatic validation and acoustical signals for guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated setting of power levels is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual temperature of the item being heated and compares it with the setpoint temperature. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the power level by calculating a rectified power level that removes differences between actual and setpoint temperatures. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated control while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of power levels with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses temperature sensors and computational algorithms to automatically set and adjust power levels, substituting the mechanical knob-turning operation with electronic sensing and control, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of power levels is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring temperature and correcting power levels without requiring user expertise or manual intervention. The controller serves itself by using its own temperature measurements to make intelligent power level adjustments, eliminating the need for users to have cooking experience or manually tweak settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors temperature and preemptively adjusts power levels before overheating or burning occurs. By continuously comparing actual temperature with setpoint temperature and calculating rectified power levels in advance, the system prevents problems rather than reacting to them, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated power level calculation is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes the power level parameter based on real-time temperature measurements. By calculating a rectified power level that accounts for the difference between actual and setpoint temperatures, the system achieves precise power level setting. The parameter adjustment is continuous and adaptive, ensuring accurate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the power supply system. It processes temperature data, calculates the appropriate rectified power level, and translates this information into controlled power delivery. This intermediary function enables precise power level setting while managing system complexity through a centralized control unit.
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
Facilitates easier and more precise setting of power levels, reducing the risk of over- or under-heating, thereby improving cooking efficiency and user experience.
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
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application in particular is directed to a method of operating a cooking zone (2) of a cooking appliance (1). The method comprises 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); calculating a rectified power level (II) based on the actual temperature value, the actual power level (I) and a preset setpoint temperature, wherein the rectified power level (II) is configured to remove differences between the actual temperature value and setpoint temperature; and wherein the rectified power level (II) is indicated on a user display (9, 4).