Cooktop appliance with variable closed-loop controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooktop appliances with precision temperature control modes rely on assumptions about starting temperatures, which can lead to suboptimal performance when these assumptions are not met.

Innovation Solution

A cooktop appliance with a user interface, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a controller that determines the starting temperature and adjusts the closed-loop algorithm parameters accordingly, allowing for precise temperature control regardless of the starting conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a typical closed-loop control algorithm is used with fixed assumptions about starting temperature, then the control system is simple to implement, but the temperature control precision deteriorates when assumptions are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol algorithm complexityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by measuring the actual starting temperature of the cooking utensil before initiating the closed-loop control algorithm. This preliminary temperature measurement allows the system to select appropriate control parameters that match the actual starting conditions, rather than relying on fixed assumptions. The controller stores multiple sets of control parameters corresponding to different starting temperature ranges and selects the appropriate set based on the measured starting temperature, thereby improving temperature control precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If closed-loop control parameters are fixed based on room temperature assumptions, then the control system is easy to operate, but the adaptability to different starting conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system ease of operationVSAvoidadaptability to starting conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the control parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically selects appropriate control parameters based on the measured starting temperature of the cooking utensil. The system includes a database of control parameters corresponding to different starting temperature ranges, and the controller automatically selects the appropriate parameters based on real-time temperature measurements, enabling the system to adapt to various starting conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes control parameters based on the measured starting temperature. Instead of using fixed control parameters assumed to be optimal for room temperature, the system stores multiple sets of control parameters in a database, each corresponding to different starting temperature ranges. The controller measures the actual starting temperature and selects the appropriate parameter set, thereby changing the control parameters to match the actual operating conditions and improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the closed-loop algorithm assumes room temperature starting conditions, then the algorithm is simple to implement, but the reliability of temperature control deteriorates when assumptions are incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm implementation complexityVSAvoidtemperature control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously measuring the temperature of the cooking utensil and using this information to adjust control parameters. A temperature sensor provides real-time feedback on the starting temperature and ongoing temperature conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller selects appropriate control parameters from stored sets that match the actual starting conditions, thereby improving the reliability of temperature control without significantly increasing algorithmic complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables more responsive and accurate precision temperature control, improving cooking outcomes by adapting to actual starting temperatures rather than relying on fixed assumptions.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature at a utensil heated by the heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a heating element positioned at a cooking surface of the cooktop appliance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12321182B2Cooktop appliance with variable closed-loop controls

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating a cooktop appliance in a precision mode includes determining a starting temperature and a set of parameters of a closed-loop algorithm for operation of a heating element corresponding to the starting temperature. The method also includes inputting a user-determined set temperature and a current temperature measurement into the closed-loop control algorithm and determining an output of the closed-loop control algorithm using the set of parameters corresponding to the starting temperature. Operation of the heating element is adjusted according to the output of the closed-loop control algorithm.