Flame ionization detection for pan detection and power management in a gas cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas cooktops lack efficient control systems to accurately manage gas supply and detect the presence of cooking vessels, leading to inconsistent flame output and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gas cooktop appliance with a burner, gas supply circuit, and valve system that uses an electrode to provide ignition and measure ionization current, coupled with a control system that compares the ionization current to a setting and modifies gas supply to maintain a predetermined threshold, and translates ionization current to analog voltage for predictive vessel detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control system is added to manage gas supply and detect vessel presence, then flame output consistency and energy efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode serves dual functions: providing ignition spark and measuring ionization current to detect flame presence and vessel condition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and simplifies the overall control system architecture while maintaining reliable flame output consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors ionization current from the electrode and automatically adjusts gas valve positioning to maintain optimal flame conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent flame output and detects vessel presence or removal, improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
2Loss of energy
If ionization current monitoring is implemented for real-time vessel detection, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode utilizes its inherent ionization current measurement capability to simultaneously perform ignition and flame monitoring functions. The system leverages the natural electrical properties of the flame-ionized gas to detect vessel presence and optimize energy consumption without requiring additional specialized sensors or complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors changes in ionization current parameters to detect vessel presence, removal, or improper placement. By tracking variations in electrical current characteristics rather than requiring absolute precision measurements, the system achieves effective vessel detection and energy optimization with manageable measurement requirements.
3Productivity
If automatic gas supply adjustment is implemented based on ionization current comparison, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system compares real-time ionization current measurements against predetermined threshold values and automatically adjusts gas valve positioning accordingly. This automated feedback control enables continuous optimization of cooking efficiency and rapid response to vessel presence or removal without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual gas control mechanisms with automated electronic control based on ionization current measurements. The control system electronically actuates the gas valve positioning mechanism, substituting mechanical manual adjustment with automated sensor-based control to improve cooking efficiency and responsiveness.
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 system ensures accurate flame output and energy efficiency by automatically adjusting gas supply based on ionization current and vessel presence, reducing energy waste and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current
Implementation Method 2
obtain an ionization current
Data Source
AI summary
A gas cooktop appliance includes a burner, a gas supply circuit in fluid communication with the burner, and a valve for controlling an amount of gas supplied to the burner from the gas supply circuit. An electrode is configured to provide an ignition spark and to obtain an ionization current. A control system is operably coupled with the valve and is configured to compare the ionization current to a setting of the valve and modify the amount of gas supplied to the burner when the difference between the ionization current and the setting of the valve is outside a predetermined threshold.