Cooktop appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooktop appliances face degraded cooking performance when a temperature sensor fails, as the power output of heating elements becomes unsuitable for extended use without adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the cooktop appliance is configured to initiate a duty cycle based on temperature differences, storing on and off periods and average power levels, and adjusts the heating element's operation even if the temperature sensor disconnects, maintaining optimal cooking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is used to directly measure temperature and adjust power output, then cooking temperature precision is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the sensor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores historical temperature data and power level information before sensor failure occurs. This preliminary data collection enables the system to continue operating using stored information rather than immediately failing when the sensor disconnects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the temperature sensing function by using stored historical data to estimate current temperature conditions. This allows the control algorithm to continue functioning with approximate temperature information even when the actual sensor is non-operational.
2Ease of operation
If the heating element operates at predetermined power output, then ease of operation is improved, but cooking performance deteriorates when temperature adjustments are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements duty cycles with periodic on and off periods, allowing the heating element to operate in cycles rather than continuously. This periodic operation enables temperature control while maintaining simple user interface operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power levels and duty cycle parameters based on stored temperature data and cooking conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal cooking performance while the user continues to operate the appliance through simple controls.
3Device complexity
If the temperature sensor fails and power output remains unadjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but cooking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects sensor failure and switches to operating mode using stored historical data without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains cooking performance while avoiding the complexity of manual sensor replacement or system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and stores critical temperature data and control parameters before sensor failure. By separating the essential control information from the failed sensor, the system can continue operating with reduced complexity while maintaining performance.
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 consistent cooking performance by maintaining the set temperature and power levels even if the temperature sensor fails, preventing degradation and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor to directly measure the temperature of a cooking utensil and/or articles contained within the cooking utensil
Implementation Method 2
electric heating elements for heating cooking utensils
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop appliance includes an electric heating element positioned on a cooktop surface and a controller operably connected thereto. The controller is configured for monitoring a temperature with a temperature sensor, adjusting a power level of the electric heating element based at least in part on the monitored temperature over a first period of time, and deactivating the electric heating element for a second period of time based at least in part on the monitored temperature. The controller is also configured for storing the first period of time, an average power level over the first period of time, and the second period of time in a memory. When the controller detects a disconnection of the temperature sensor, the controller operates the heating element at the stored average power level for the stored first period of time and deactivates the heating element for the stored second period of time.