Electric apparatus for cooking and/or heating food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric ovens face challenges in maintaining a constant temperature at the center of the cooking chamber, leading to temperature oscillations and inefficiencies in energy consumption, particularly at low temperatures, due to the placement of temperature sensors and the ON-OFF power control systems.
Innovation Solution
An electric apparatus with a temperature control device that includes an estimator filter to provide a precise temperature estimation at the center of the cooking chamber, using data from the temperature sensor, actual power supplied, and previous estimates to adjust the power to electric heating elements, optimizing power supply and reducing temperature oscillations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed on the lateral wall of the oven, then the temperature can be detected, but the measured temperature differs from the desired temperature at the center zone where food is cooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an estimator filter as an intermediary computational element that processes the temperature measurement from the lateral wall sensor, along with power supply data and previous estimates, to generate an inferred temperature value for the center zone. This mediator bridges the gap between the available measurement and the desired information without physically relocating the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically placing a temperature sensor at the center zone with a computational estimation system. Instead of using a physical sensor in the desired location, the system uses mathematical algorithms (estimator filter) to calculate the center zone temperature based on indirect measurements and system dynamics.
2Ease of operation
If ON-OFF drive with mechanical or electronic hysteresis systems is used to regulate temperature, then the system can control temperature, but large oscillations occur and temperature cannot be kept substantially constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous feedback mechanism where the estimator filter constantly processes current temperature measurements, actual power supply data, and previous temperature estimates to generate updated center zone temperature estimates. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of power supply to maintain stable temperature, replacing the coarse ON-OFF hysteresis control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static ON-OFF control with fixed hysteresis thresholds to a dynamic control system that continuously adapts power supply based on real-time temperature estimates, actual power measurements, and historical data. The estimator filter dynamically adjusts temperature predictions and the control system dynamically adjusts power delivery to eliminate oscillations.
3Speed
If high power is supplied for rapid heating, then heating speed is improved, but temperature oscillations increase and energy consumption is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces discontinuous ON-OFF power supply with continuous power delivery at optimized levels. The estimator-based control system continuously adjusts the power supply magnitude based on real-time temperature estimates and heating requirements, eliminating idle cycles and maintaining steady heating action that is both energy-efficient and oscillation-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from binary (ON/OFF) to a continuously variable parameter that is dynamically adjusted based on temperature estimates and heating needs. The system optimizes the power magnitude in real-time, delivering just the right amount of energy required at each moment, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining rapid heating capability when needed.
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 enables precise and reliable temperature control at the center of the electric apparatus, minimizing errors and oscillations, optimizing energy consumption, and allowing efficient cooking at low temperatures without food degradation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor to measure a temperature in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
electric heating elements associated with the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Electric apparatus for cooking and/or heating food includes a chamber to receive food, electric heating elements associated with said chamber, at least one temperature sensor to measure a temperature in the chamber, and a temperature control device provided with a control and power supply unit configured to receive the temperature measured by the sensor and compare it with a desired temperature in a central zone of the chamber. The temperature control device may also comprise at least one estimator filter configured to receive at entrance: the temperature detected, the actual power supplied to the electric heating elements by said control unit and the data relating to previous temperature estimations and able to supply at exit an estimated temperature, wherein said control unit is configured to use the estimated temperature transmitted by the estimator filter to establish the correct mean power to be supplied by the electric heating elements.