Cooktop Temperature Probe With Pan Size Feedback for Gas Burner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise heating with gas burners is challenging due to the need for constant monitoring and adjustment of the control valve, and automated heating is difficult, especially when using smaller cooking utensils with gas burners that have a larger operating range.
Innovation Solution
A temperature probe with a resilient clip and wireless communication module that can mount on a cooking utensil, featuring a temperature sensor and emitter/receiver for non-contact diameter measurement, and a controller that adjusts the gas burner's fuel flow based on the utensil's size and temperature requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gas burner is used for heating, then heat output adjustability is improved, but precise temperature control deteriorates due to the need for constant monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cooking utensil temperature and automatically adjusts the control valve to maintain the desired temperature without user intervention. The controller processes temperature data and autonomously regulates gas flow, enabling the system to serve itself in maintaining precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously measures the cooking utensil temperature, transmits data to the controller, which then adjusts the control valve based on the temperature deviation from the setpoint. This feedback loop enables precise temperature control by constantly comparing actual temperature with target temperature and making real-time adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If automated heating with a gas burner is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but heating precision deteriorates when the cooking utensil size does not match the burner operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the cooking utensil diameter using an emitter and receiver before heating begins. Based on this pre-measured diameter, the controller determines the appropriate burner operating range and adjusts the control valve to set an appropriate target temperature that matches the utensil size, preventing overheating or insufficient heating from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system tailors the heating parameters to the specific local condition of the cooking utensil size. By measuring the diameter and determining the appropriate operating range specific to that utensil, the controller adjusts the target temperature and gas flow rate to match the local heating requirements, ensuring precise temperature control regardless of utensil size.
3Manufacturing precision
If the control valve is constantly adjusted to maintain temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the temperature control function by using the temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cooking utensil and the controller to automatically adjust the control valve. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user monitoring and manual adjustment, maintaining precise temperature control while freeing the user from continuous intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical adjustment of the control valve by the user with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives temperature data from the sensor and electronically actuates the control valve, substituting the mechanical user-adjustment process with an automated electromechanical system that maintains precision without user time investment.
4Measurement precision
If a temperature probe with wireless communication is used, then temperature monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring system is segmented into separate functional modules: the temperature sensor probe that measures temperature, the wireless communication module that transmits data, and the controller that processes information and adjusts the control valve. This segmentation allows the probe to focus on precise measurement while the communication and control functions are handled by separate components, reducing the complexity burden on the probe itself.
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 precise temperature control and appropriate heat output for cooking utensils of varying sizes, reducing the need for constant user adjustment and improving automated heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter configured to emit a wave from the module towards a second side of the cooking utensil opposite the first side of the cooking utensil and a receiver configured to receive a reflection of the wave from the second side of the cooking utensil
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor extends from the module along a longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature probe for a cooktop appliance includes a resilient clip configured for mounting on a cooking utensil with a module connected to the resilient clip and a temperature sensor extending from the module along a longitudinal direction. The resilient clip may include a hook portion configured to engage a rim of the cooking utensil and an offset portion that is not parallel to the hook portion. The temperature probe may include an emitter and a receiver for non-contact measurement of a diameter of the cooking utensil.