Cooktop appliance with adaptive closed-loop controls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop appliances with closed-loop control algorithms struggle to maintain precise temperature control when the desired heating level changes during precision mode, as they are typically attuned to a fixed end point.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop appliance with a controller that adjusts the closed-loop algorithm parameters in response to changes in user-defined set temperatures, using temperature sensors to dynamically regulate heating element operation through a closed-loop control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed-endpoint closed-loop control algorithm is used, then temperature control is precise for a single set point, but the system cannot efficiently respond when the set point changes during precision mode
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm transitions from a static, fixed-endpoint design to a dynamic adaptive design. The system continuously monitors the difference between the current temperature and the target set point, and automatically adjusts control parameters (such as proportional, integral, and derivative gains in a PID controller) based on real-time temperature deviations. This enables the controller to efficiently respond to set point changes while maintaining precise temperature control throughout the cooking process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the closed-loop algorithm parameters are fixed, then the control system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to varying temperature set points
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm parameters are transformed from fixed constants to dynamic variables that change based on operating conditions. The system employs parameter adaptation mechanisms where control gains and other algorithm parameters are automatically adjusted according to the current temperature, rate of temperature change, and distance from the target set point. This allows the relatively simple closed-loop control structure to adapt to varying temperature set points and maintain optimal performance across different cooking scenarios.
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
Enables adaptive precision temperature control by continuously adjusting heating element output based on real-time temperature measurements, ensuring accurate cooking results even when set temperatures are modified.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the cooking utensil
Implementation Method 2
heating element positioned at a cooking surface of the cooktop appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a cooktop appliance includes receiving a first user-determined set temperature, determining a first set of parameters for a closed-loop control based on the first user-defined set temperature and operating a heating element of the cooktop appliance according to a first output of closed-loop control using the first set of parameters. The method also includes receiving a second user-determined set temperature after the first user-defined set temperature. The second user-defined set temperature differs from the first user-defined set temperature. The method further includes determining a second set of parameters of the closed-loop control based on the second user-determined set temperature, and operating the heating element according to a second output of the closed-loop control using the second set of parameters based on the second user-determined set temperature.