Gas Burner Closed-Loop Control for Precise Simmer Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users find it challenging to precisely maintain a desired temperature while cooking with gas burners, as they need to constantly monitor and adjust the control valve, making the process tedious and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A cooktop appliance with a closed-loop control algorithm that receives user-set temperatures and real-time measurements from a temperature sensor, automatically adjusting the gas burner's power output to maintain the desired temperature through a precision mode, using control valves to regulate the gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gas burner is used for heating, then heat output adjustability is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat output adjustabilityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the cooking utensil temperature and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and automatically adjusts the gas valve position to maintain the desired temperature, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while preserving the gas burner's heat output adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs automatic temperature regulation without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously processes temperature measurements, calculates the appropriate gas flow adjustment, and actuates the valve accordingly, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain precise temperature control while the user simply sets the target temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual monitoring and adjustment is used, then temperature control flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control flexibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system autonomously performs temperature monitoring and adjustment operations. The temperature sensor continuously measures the cooking temperature, the controller processes this data and determines the appropriate gas flow rate, and the actuator automatically adjusts the valve position. This self-service mechanism maintains full temperature control flexibility while completely eliminating the tedious manual monitoring and adjustment that users would otherwise need to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated control system. Instead of requiring users to manually turn the gas valve based on visual observation of cooking progress, the system uses electronic temperature sensing, digital signal processing, and automated valve actuation to maintain precise temperature control, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If constant user monitoring is required, then temperature control responsiveness is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control responsivenessVSAvoidtime for monitoring and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closed-loop control system continuously monitors temperature through the sensor and immediately responds to any deviations from the target temperature by adjusting the gas flow. This automated feedback loop maintains temperature control responsiveness equal to or better than manual monitoring while eliminating the time users would spend observing and adjusting the burner, as the system operates autonomously without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system operates continuously without interruption, with the temperature sensor constantly measuring and the controller continuously adjusting the gas flow as needed. This uninterrupted automated control maintains optimal temperature more effectively than intermittent manual checking and adjustment, improving both responsiveness and eliminating the time users would need to dedicate to monitoring the cooking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 allows for precise temperature control without constant user intervention, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing energy wastage by maintaining the set temperature effectively.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a temperature measurement from a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature at a utensil heated by the gas burner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy detection: Heating

Implementation Method 2

activating the gas burner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11262070B2Closed-loop simmer with a gas burner

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method of operating a cooktop appliance includes inputting a temperature measurement and a set temperature into a closed-loop control algorithm. When the output of the closed-loop control algorithm is less than a power level threshold, a first control valve to a gas burner of the cooktop appliance is closed.