Concentric Cooktop Burner Pan Detection for Automatic Heat Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current burner assemblies for cooktops with multiple concentric burner segments can be confusing for users, leading to inefficiencies such as overheating or wasted heat due to improper utilization of the burner sections, as users struggle to control the heat output effectively for varying cooking article sizes.
Innovation Solution
A burner assembly with a housing defining concentric outlet sections and a switch assembly featuring a lever and actuator pin that automatically adjusts the energy flow to the burner sections based on the size of the cooking article, allowing for efficient use of either the inner or both the inner and outer burner sections by determining the position of the actuator pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control is provided that allows a user to control the heat output of the burner assembly along with the operation of the outer large burner section, then the user can control the burner sections manually, but the controls become confusing and users may not properly utilize the respective sections of the burner
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-detection of pan size and automatically activates the appropriate burner sections without requiring user input. The actuator pin detects the cooking article size and the controller automatically determines which burner sections to activate, making the system serve itself rather than requiring complex user controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an automated detection and control system. The actuator pin mechanically detects pan size, which then triggers an electronic controller to automatically manage the burner sections, substituting complex manual control mechanisms with a simpler detection-based automatic control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual controls are provided for burner sections, then users can adjust heat output, but inefficiencies occur due to improper utilization of burner sections causing overheating or wasted heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the actuator pin position (which detects pan size) to automatically adjust which burner sections are activated. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the burner configuration matches the actual cooking needs, preventing energy waste from using larger burner sections than necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the cooking article size through the actuator pin and self-adjusts the burner section activation without user intervention. This self-service capability ensures optimal energy utilization by matching burner output to the actual cooking requirements based on pan size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concentric burner sections are provided, then flexibility with respect to output level is offered, but users find such controls confusing and may not properly utilize the respective sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which burner sections to activate based on pan size detection via the actuator pin, eliminating the need for users to manually select or understand the different burner section configurations. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about burner utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The burner is divided into multiple concentric sections that can be independently controlled, and the system selectively activates appropriate segments based on detected pan size. This segmentation allows flexibility in heat output while simplifying user interaction, as users only need to place their pan on the burner without worrying about control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A burner assembly for a cooktop includes a housing that defines first and second concentric outlet sections, the first outlet section being inset relative to the second outlet section. The housing further defines a first aperture between the first outlet section and the second outlet section. A first switch assembly is mounted within the housing and includes a lever coupled with the housing and a first pin extending from the lever and upwardly through the aperture to an end positioned above the housing. The end of the pin is moveable in a first direction inward and outward with respect to the housing by rotation of the lever to control a flow of energy to the second outlet section.