Gas Cooktop Burner Re-Ignition Delay After Pan Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cooktops with pot detection systems face challenges in safely re-igniting the gas burner when a pot is replaced, as the flame can briefly increase in size, potentially reaching pot handles, increasing the risk of burns due to the pressure conditions and ignition delay.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a time-delayed ignition system where the gas burner is only re-ignited at the originally set power level after a few seconds have passed since the pot is detected as being replaced, allowing users sufficient time to remove their hands, and optionally using visual and acoustic signals for added safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gas burner is immediately re-ignited at the originally set power level when a pot is placed back on the hotplate, then the cooking process continues without interruption and productivity is maintained, but the flame size briefly increases and reaches the pot handles, creating a burn hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the pot's presence before initiating full ignition. The pot detection system activates first, and only after confirming the pot is in place does the controller proceed to ignite the burner, ensuring the pot is positioned safely before the flame reaches full intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition process is divided into periodic stages: first a preliminary detection phase where the system monitors pot presence, then an ignition phase where the burner is lit, and finally a full power phase where the originally set power level is reached. This staged approach prevents sudden flame increases by spacing out the activation steps in time
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gas burner is re-ignited with a time delay after pot detection, then the burn hazard is reduced by giving users time to remove their hands, but the cooking process is interrupted longer and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pot detection system performs preliminary detection and confirmation before initiating the ignition sequence. This preliminary phase ensures the pot is properly positioned and the user has had time to withdraw their hands, while the system prepares for imminent ignition, minimizing the perceived wait time for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pot presence through the detection system and provides feedback to the control unit. When the pot is detected, the system confirms this status and uses this feedback to trigger the ignition sequence at the optimal moment, balancing safety delay with cooking continuity
3Power
If the gas burner is re-ignited at full power level immediately, then the originally set power level is restored quickly and cooking efficiency is maintained, but the flame size increases briefly and creates a safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery is staged periodically: the burner is first ignited at a lower power level to establish a safe flame, then after a brief interval confirming pot presence, the power level is increased to the originally set level. This periodic power adjustment prevents sudden flame increases while maintaining efficient cooking
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a cushioning effect by initially igniting the burner at a reduced power level rather than full power. This creates a buffer zone where the flame is present but not intense enough to reach the pot handles, cushioning the transition from off-state to full-power operation and eliminating the harmful brief flame increase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The method involves switching off a gas burner (16) and/or closing a corresponding gas valve (17) using a pan detection unit, when a pan (22) is detected initially at a cooking point (14) and detected as removed at the cooking point. The re-placing of pan onto the point is detected by the detection unit. The operation of the gas burner is renewed by igniting the gas burner after opening of gas valve. The gas burner is ignited after the pan is again placed on the cooking point, where power level originally set for the gas burner only takes place to a full extent with a delay. An independent claim is also included for a device for executing a method for operating a cooking point, comprising a gas burner.