Cooktop Weight Detection Correcting Fan Suction Force Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops with weighing functions either require multiple components or lack accuracy due to suction force interference from fans, leading to potential measurement errors, especially when weighing objects of varying sizes or detecting spills.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop design incorporating a weight detection device with sensors under a grille-like cover, connected to a control system that corrects for fan suction force errors and includes a collecting container for spill detection, allowing for precise weight measurement and automatic alerts for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weighing sensors are placed under a grille cover on the suction opening, then weighing function is enabled in a compact area, but fan suction force causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the weight sensor signals and compares them against expected weight ranges. When an abnormal weight change is detected that correlates with fan operation, the system automatically compensates by adjusting the measured value or triggering a correction routine, thereby eliminating the measurement error caused by suction force
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by temporarily stopping the fan motor during the weighing process. This eliminates the suction force interference completely, allowing accurate weight measurement. The control unit manages the fan motor to stop during weighing and resume afterward, dynamically adjusting the operational state to resolve the contradiction
2Reliability
If multiple weighing sensors are used to improve accuracy, then measurement reliability increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single weighing sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the weight of objects on the cooktop, detects when the grille cover is removed or misplaced, and monitors for spill conditions. The control unit processes these diverse detection tasks through a unified evaluation algorithm, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability
3Productivity
If the fan runs at high power for effective fume suction, then cooking fume removal improves, but weight measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic weighing cycles where the fan motor is temporarily stopped during the measurement phase to ensure accuracy. After the weight is recorded, the fan resumes operation for continued fume extraction. This periodic alternation between measurement mode (fan off) and extraction mode (fan on) resolves the contradiction by separating the conflicting requirements in time
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
Enhances measurement accuracy by accounting for fan suction effects and detects spills, providing reliable and efficient weighing with reduced component usage and improved user interface for error handling.
Implementation Method 1
The weighing sensors are supporting the cover in such a way that a weight load of the cover and any object being placed upon it can be detected at the weighing sensors
Implementation Method 2
Such an error in the detection of the weight load increases with increasing power of the fan due to a suction force being effective onto the cover alone
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooktop has a cooktop plate, heating devices under the plate and a suction opening on or in the plate, a fan and an air filter. An air duct is provided under the suction opening and leads to the air filter and to the fan. A grid-like cover is provided for the suction opening, wherein a support device for the cover is arranged under the suction opening. A weight detection device comprises at least two weighing sensors supporting the cover for weight load detection. A cooktop control is connected to the weight detection device and to the fan, both for evaluating their functional state. The cooktop control is designed to detect and include the functional state of the fan in the evaluation of the weighing sensors and, depending on the functional state of the fan, to correct a result of an evaluation of the weighing sensors for detecting a weight load on the cover in such a way that an error in the detection of the weight load which increases with increasing power of the fan can be or is corrected.