Cooktop Temperature Sensor Assembly for Vessel Overshoot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop temperature sensors face challenges in accurately measuring vessel temperatures due to non-identical shapes and sizes of cooking vessels, leading to potential fires from initial temperature overshoot and failure to moderate ignition risks during the heating process.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop temperature sensor assembly with three springs supporting a platform for the cooking vessel, featuring a resistance temperature detector connected to two springs, and a processor that collects temperature samples, performs curve fitting to project future temperatures, and controls the cooktop based on these projections to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensors are used to measure vessel temperature, then the sensor structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to non-identical shapes and sizes of cooking vessels causing insufficient contact
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly incorporates three springs that allow the platform to dynamically adjust its position and orientation based on the specific shape, size, and weight of the cooking vessel. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous contact between the sensor and the vessel bottom regardless of vessel variations, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by using elastic deformation rather than rigid fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the sensor assembly by using springs that compress and expand based on vessel weight and shape. This parameter change allows the platform to maintain optimal contact pressure and position with different vessels, achieving accurate temperature measurements without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Reliability
If control algorithms focus on steady state temperature moderation, then the control is simple during cooking, but the reliability deteriorates due to failure to prevent initial temperature overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm performs preliminary action by monitoring and controlling the heating element during the initial heat-up phase before steady state is reached. It detects temperature trends and prevents temperature overshoot that could lead to ignition, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring temperature data during both initial heating and steady state operations. The controller adjusts heating power based on real-time temperature readings and projected future temperatures, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents fire hazards while maintaining simple operational control.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor must maintain contact with shifting vessels, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to need for stable contact mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The three-spring platform provides dynamic contact capability that automatically adapts to vessel movements and shape variations. The springs allow the platform to move and reposition itself while maintaining contact, achieving consistent temperature readings without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs act as counterbalancing elements that compensate for vessel weight and position changes. This counterweight mechanism ensures the platform maintains stable contact with the vessel bottom regardless of vessel shifts, improving measurement consistency without requiring active control systems.
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 ensures accurate temperature readings and reduces the risk of cooktop fires by effectively controlling the cooktop element during both initial heating and steady-state operations, preventing temperature overshoot and potential ignitions.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance temperature detector electrically connected to at least two of the three springs
Data Source
AI summary
Cooktop temperature sensors and methods of operation are provided. An example cooktop appliance includes a cooktop element and a cooktop temperature sensor assembly. The cooktop temperature sensor assembly includes three springs providing support for a platform upon which a cooking vessel rests. The cooktop temperature sensor assembly includes a resistance temperature detector electrically connected to at least two of the three springs. The cooktop appliance includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include obtaining from the cooktop temperature sensor assembly a plurality of samples of a temperature. The operations include projecting a future temperature based at least in part on the plurality of samples of the temperature. The operations include controlling the cooktop element based at least in part on the projected future temperature.