Cooktop appliances and control methods for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooktop appliances face challenges in achieving precise temperature control due to noise, thermal lag, and limitations in control systems, particularly in radiant cooktops.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop appliance with an electric heating element and a controller that generates a temperature setting, activates the heating element, calculates a projected maximum temperature, and deactivates it when the projected temperature exceeds the setting to maintain precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and feedback control are used to directly measure and adjust cooking temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but system complexity and control limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the control system by removing physical temperature sensors. Instead of using sensors to directly measure cooking surface temperature, the system calculates temperature based on power output data and thermal models, thereby simplifying the control system while maintaining temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensing system with a computational approach. Temperature is determined through mathematical calculations based on electrical power measurements and thermal conduction models, substituting physical sensors with algorithm-based temperature estimation
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring and adjustment based on sensor feedback is implemented, then temperature precision is improved, but control component life is reduced due to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power delivery to the heating element rather than continuous operation. The controller delivers power in controlled cycles, allowing the heating element and control components to rest between activation periods, thereby extending their operational life while maintaining effective temperature control through the thermal inertia of the cooking surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermal mass and inherent thermal properties of the cooking surface and utensils to maintain temperature between power delivery cycles. The cooking surface itself serves as a thermal buffer that continues to provide heat without active control during off-periods, reducing the workload on control components
3Ease of operation
If predetermined power output levels are used for heating elements, then operation simplicity is maintained, but temperature control precision deteriorates due to thermal lag and hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and compensating for thermal lag effects before they manifest in actual temperature deviations. The controller uses thermal models to predict future temperature based on current power output and historical data, adjusting power delivery in advance to prevent overshooting or undershooting the target temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a computational feedback mechanism that continuously monitors power output and calculates the resulting temperature effects. The system uses this feedback to adjust subsequent power delivery, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision without requiring physical temperature sensors
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
This solution enhances precision in temperature control by preventing overshooting and extending the life of control components through a simplified power control method.
Implementation Method 1
electric heating elements for heating cooking utensils, such as pots, pans and griddles
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop appliance includes an electric heating element positioned at a cooking surface and a controller operably connected to the electric heating element. The controller is configured to generate a temperature setting. The controller is also configured to activate the electric heating element and calculate a projected maximum temperature. The controller is further configured to deactivate the electric heating element when the projected maximum temperature is greater than the temperature setting.