Cookware Temperature Control With Monotonic Power Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-based cooking power control systems are ineffective in controlling boiling vigor, as they lack precise control over the power delivered to cookware, especially in the boiling range.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that uses a heating control user interface to set a desired cookware temperature set point, deriving a maximum power limit that varies monotonically over the operating range, allowing for precise control of power delivery to maintain the desired temperature, particularly in the boiling range from 100° C. to 150° C., using a combination of temperature servo controls and a lookup table to determine the maximum delivered power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature-based cooking power control is used, then temperature control is achieved, but control over boiling vigor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from temperature to power delivery. By controlling the power delivered to the heating element rather than just maintaining a temperature setpoint, the system enables direct control over boiling vigor while still maintaining temperature control capabilities. The user interface allows selection of power levels that directly affect boiling intensity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If maximum power limit is enforced to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but heating speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum power limit is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on the current temperature relative to the setpoint. When temperature is below the setpoint, higher power levels are permitted for faster heating. When temperature approaches or exceeds the setpoint, the power limit reduces to maintain stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between heating speed and temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively limits power delivery before the temperature can overshoot the setpoint. By monitoring temperature trends and adjusting power limits in advance, the system prevents temperature instability rather than reacting after overshoot occurs, thus maintaining both speed and stability.
3Measurement precision
If power control is added to temperature control, then control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing temperature control system is enhanced to also perform power control functions. The same controller and sensors used for temperature monitoring are utilized to infer power delivery levels and adjust heating accordingly. This multi-functionality approach improves control precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to automatically adjust power delivery. By continuously monitoring temperature and comparing it to the setpoint, the controller dynamically adjusts power levels to maintain precise control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves high control precision using existing system components.
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 provides improved control over boiling vigor by allowing for a monotonically increasing power limit, enabling finer control over the cooking process, ensuring the cookware maintains the desired temperature, and optimizing power delivery for better cooking results.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating system... an oscillating magnetic field is generated by a coil that is inductively coupled to a target
Implementation Method 2
which induces eddy currents in the target that is placed on the cooktop
Implementation Method 3
resistive heating element... temperature can be controlled by controlling the power delivered to the electric heating element
Implementation Method 4
temperature sensor that determines the cookware temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling the power delivered to cookware by a power control system that comprises a heating control user interface that is set by the user to a particular heating control user interface set point within an operating range. A controller derives from the heating control user interface set point a desired cookware temperature set point, and, over at least a first portion of the operating range that encompasses the boiling range, also derives from the heating control user interface set point a maximum limit of power that can be delivered to the cookware to maintain the cookware at the desired cookware temperature set point. The maximum power limit varies monotonically over the first portion of the operating range.