Gas hotplate with automatic control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced operators often struggle to set the correct power level for gas burners, leading to poor cooking results due to the complexity of selecting the appropriate gas burner and adjusting the heat output for different cooking processes.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a user interface that allows users to select a cooking program, which prescribes the use of a specific gas burner, adjusts the heat output by controlling the adjustment valve, and manages the sequential switching of flames based on predefined parameters such as cycle time and on-to-off ratios, simplifying the cooking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of gas burners is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines the appropriate gas burner and adjusts its output based on the selected cooking program, making the system self-serve without requiring operator expertise in selecting and adjusting burners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of gas burners with an automated control system that electronically manages burner selection and output regulation through a microprocessor and actuator mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If automated control is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions including automatic burner selection, output regulation, timing control, and program management, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional unit
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the user's simple program selection and the complex gas valve adjustment mechanisms, translating user input into automated burner control without exposing the user to system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If inexperienced operators use manual adjustment, then device complexity remains low, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect heat settings
Solution Approach 1:
The control device contains pre-programmed cooking programs with predetermined burner selections and output settings, performing the complex adjustment decisions in advance and storing them for automatic execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect flame presence and gas flow, providing feedback to the control device to verify proper burner operation and make real-time adjustments to maintain precise cooking conditions
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 ensures that inexperienced users can achieve good cooking results by automatically determining the appropriate power level and cooking duration, reducing the risk of incorrect heat settings and improving cooking efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the gas hob has several gas burners, which are each supplied with gas via an adjustment valve. The adjusting valves have a variable opening cross-section, with which the gas volume supplied to the gas burner per unit of time and thus the heat output of the flames burning on the gas burner can be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
Each time the gas flow is released, the gas flames on the gas burner are automatically ignited
Implementation Method 3
the heat output of the flames burning on the gas burner
Implementation Method 4
the gas hob has several gas burners, which are each supplied with gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas cooktop with at least one gas burner (2), a control device (9), and a device operatively connected to the control device (9) for automatically switching the flame on and off sequentially at the gas burner (2). According to the invention, the control device (9) includes a device for program-supported automatic cooking. The control device (9) is configured such that at least one of the predefined cooking programs prescribes the use of a specific gas burner (2) and a specific cycle time for the sequential switching on and off of the flame at the gas burner (2). At least one predefined cooking program is defined as a defrosting program.