Induction Cooktop User Interface for Intermediate Power Level Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current induction cooking appliances are limited by discrete heat settings, which can lead to non-optimal heating for certain items, requiring users to tediously toggle between settings, and closed loop control with temperature sensors is expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to toggle between adjacent power level settings on a user interface, enabling the heating element to adjust to intermediate power levels between displayed settings, providing finer control without the need for complex displays or expensive closed loop control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete heat settings (1-10) are used on the user interface, then the control interface remains simple and cost-effective, but the heating control precision is insufficient for certain cooking items
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating element's power output based on the user's toggling behavior. When the user toggles between two adjacent settings, the system calculates an intermediate power level and applies it, effectively making the discrete interface produce continuous control results without requiring additional physical controls or displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interpretation of user input parameters. Instead of mapping button presses directly to discrete power levels, the system monitors the pattern of toggling between adjacent levels and uses this behavioral data to determine an intermediate power setting, thereby expanding the effective control range beyond the physical interface limitations.
2Measurement precision
If users toggle between adjacent heat settings to achieve optimal heating, then finer control can be obtained, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the optimal intermediate power level based on the user's toggling pattern between two adjacent settings. By anticipating that the user wants a setting between the two toggled values, the system automatically computes and applies the intermediate level, eliminating the need for the user to continue toggling back and forth to achieve the desired precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the user's toggling behavior to automatically adjust the heating element's power output. By monitoring when the user toggles between two adjacent settings and applying an intermediate level in response, the system creates a feedback loop that translates user intent into precise control without requiring additional manual adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If closed loop control with temperature sensor is implemented, then optimal heating control is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual representation of continuous power control through software processing of user input patterns, rather than implementing physical continuous adjustment mechanisms or expensive sensor-based closed loop systems. The intermediate power levels are calculated and applied based on the copied behavioral pattern of user toggling, achieving fine control through information processing rather than additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/sensor-based closed loop control system with a software-based solution that processes user input patterns. Instead of using temperature sensors and complex control algorithms to determine the optimal power level, the system substitutes this with a simpler method that infers user intent from toggling behavior and applies corresponding intermediate power levels through software control of the heating element.
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 method enables more precise control of the induction heating element, allowing operation at multiple power levels beyond the limited display settings, enhancing cooking performance without the cost or complexity of closed loop control.
Implementation Method 1
induction heating elements are generally operable at significantly more than ten heat settings
Implementation Method 2
induction cooking appliances
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting an appliance heating element power level includes adjusting a heating element to a first power level in response to actuation of a user input to a first level setting and adjusting the heating element from the first power level to a second power level in response to actuation of the user input to a second level setting. The second power level of the heating element is different than the first power level of the heating element, and the second level setting is next to the first level setting within a power level setting sequence. The method also includes adjusting the heating element from the second power level to a third power level in response to actuation of the user input back to the first level setting. The third power level of the heating element is between the first and second power levels of the heating element.