Cooking Hob Hold Control for Stable Simmering and Boiling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hob technologies do not effectively allow operators to maintain specific cooking states, such as simmering or searing, without constant attention to power levels or temperature, leading to suboptimal cooking results and energy inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating an inductively heated hob that allows operators to maintain cooking states by controlling power supply based on detected temperature changes, distinguishing between boiling point and other temperature processes, and adjusting power to maintain desired temperatures or power levels, with options for automatic hold duration and temperature compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator manually monitors and adjusts power levels to maintain cooking states, then cooking control is achieved, but operator attention is required continuously and energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking controlVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking hob system automatically detects temperature changes in the cooking vessel and adjusts power levels without operator intervention. The control unit monitors temperature via sensors and autonomously maintains desired cooking states, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the cooking vessel temperature, and the control unit adjusts power levels based on detected temperature changes. This closed-loop control maintains precise cooking states while preventing energy waste through automatic power adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the system maintains constant power supply to preserve cooking states, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power levels based on real-time temperature conditions rather than maintaining constant power. The control unit modulates power supply according to detected temperature changes, providing just enough energy to maintain cooking states while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during stable temperature periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power level parameters dynamically in response to temperature measurements. When temperature deviations are detected, power levels are adjusted accordingly; when temperature is stable, power levels are reduced or maintained at minimal levels, optimizing the balance between temperature stability and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system responds to all temperature changes by adjusting power, then cooking state precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking state precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by adjusting power levels only when temperature changes exceed predefined thresholds or when cooking states require intervention. Not every minor temperature fluctuation triggers a power adjustment, reducing unnecessary system activity and simplifying control logic while maintaining adequate cooking precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Stability of the object's composition

If the hold function maintains the state at activation time, then cooking state preservation is improved, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking state preservationVSAvoidadaptability to changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hold function dynamically adapts to changing conditions by continuously monitoring temperature and adjusting power levels in response to detected changes. Rather than rigidly maintaining the exact state at activation, the system preserves the cooking state's essential characteristics while adapting to natural temperature variations, ingredient additions, or environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hold function incorporates continuous feedback from temperature sensors to detect changes in cooking conditions. When changes are detected, the control unit adjusts power levels to maintain the desired cooking state, balancing state preservation with adaptability to new conditions through real-time monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables operators to maintain desired cooking states with reduced energy consumption and improved cooking outcomes, as the method ensures consistent temperatures and power levels, even during changes in cooking processes, such as adding food or liquids, thereby enhancing cooking control and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a cooking vessel is placed on it and heated, preferably inductively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a frequency is set for controlling the inductive heating element, and a specific electrical parameter is monitored and recorded over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection through electrical parameter monitoring:

Data Source

PatentEP3267113B1Method for operating a cooking hob
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3267113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3267113B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for operating a hob (11) to hold a state at a hotplate (20) of the hob with a cooking vessel (22) on it at the time the hold is activated, detecting a temperature change of the cooking vessel as a state change, with the power supplied and/or a temperature change of the cooking vessel can be evaluated. A hold function for holding the status of the hotplate at this point in time with the cooking vessel set up can be triggered. The current state at the hotplate is differentiated into a process at the boiling point of water on the one hand and a different process on the other hand, or a process that takes place at a different temperature without a phase transition of water.