Precision control for heating appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating appliances face challenges in achieving precise and consistent heating results due to variations in food items and ambient conditions, leading to imprecise control and inconsistent outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a precision control technique using a selection table-based method that detects ambient temperature and target parameters, allowing for a closed feedback loop to adjust heating cycles based on sensed conditions, including the use of strategically positioned sensors to monitor surface temperatures and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If time-based heating cycles are used with fixed settings, then the appliance is simple to operate, but heating precision and consistency deteriorate due to variations in food items and ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the heating process and adjust the heating cycle accordingly. The controller receives temperature data from sensors positioned near the food item and modifies the heating power to maintain the target temperature, ensuring consistent heating results regardless of ambient conditions or food variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes heating parameters (power level, duration) based on detected temperature and food characteristics. The controller adjusts heating parameters in real-time according to sensor feedback, transitioning from fixed time-based cycles to adaptive parameter-controlled heating that maintains precision while remaining user-friendly.
2Ease of operation
If universal target parameter settings are used for different food types, then the appliance is easy to use, but heating consistency deteriorates across various food items
Solution Approach 1:
The heating appliance performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting food presence, type, and initial temperature through sensors, then autonomously selecting and executing the appropriate heating program. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust settings for different food types while maintaining consistent heating results through the system's intelligent self-adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple food types and heating scenarios through a single universal interface. By integrating various sensors and a sophisticated control algorithm, the system provides universal functionality that adapts to different food characteristics (moisture content, density, initial temperature) while maintaining ease of use through consistent user interaction.
3Device complexity
If mechanical sensors such as bimetallic strips are used, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision and repeated heating consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors (bimetallic strips) with electronic temperature sensors that provide superior measurement precision. The electronic sensors can accurately detect temperature changes and provide signals to the controller, enabling precise heating control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of modern electronic components.
4Productivity
If the heating cavity starts with residual heat from previous cycles, then the appliance is ready for quick use, but heating precision deteriorates due to varying starting temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the starting temperature condition before initiating the heating cycle. Based on this preliminary information, the controller pre-calculates and selects the appropriate heating program that compensates for the residual heat, ensuring that both quick startup and precise heating control are achieved through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from static fixed-time cycles to dynamic adaptive control that responds to real-time temperature conditions. The controller continuously adjusts heating parameters based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to maintain precision whether starting from ambient temperature or with residual heat, while preserving productivity through optimized heating curves.
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 approach enables consistent and predictable heating performance across various food types, ensuring desired parameters such as toast shade are achieved with improved precision and reduced variability compared to traditional time-based heating methods.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor attached to the guide wire such that the sensor at least partially overlaps a surface of the guide wire
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a heating appliance includes receiving a level selection at a controller, reading a starting parameter at an initiation of a heating process and providing a signal to the controller, accessing a memory including a matrix of heating parameters, selecting a first group of equations of the matrix at the controller based on the selected level, where the first group of equations include at least a first equation and a second equation corresponding to first and second starting parameter ranges, identifying an equation of the first group of equations of the matrix at the controller, the matrix having a corresponding starting parameter range based on the starting parameter, and performing the heating process according to the identified equation.