Induction Cooktop Temperature Feedback for Heat-Sensitive Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional induction cooking appliances lack temperature feedback control, which can lead to damage of temperature-sensitive components such as protective mats and non-stick coated utensils due to excessive heat exposure.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance with a temperature sensor and controller that adjusts power to the heating element based on detected temperature, ensuring it does not exceed a predetermined threshold safe for these components, thereby preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional induction cooking appliances regulate power without temperature feedback, then cooking efficiency and power delivery are improved, but temperature-sensitive components such as protective mats and non-stick coatings are damaged due to excessive heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidheat damage to temperature-sensitive components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a temperature feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the cooktop surface temperature and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the power supplied to the induction coil based on the detected temperature, ensuring the surface temperature remains below a predetermined threshold that would damage temperature-sensitive components. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooking effectiveness while preventing excessive heat damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the power parameter supplied to the induction coil based on real-time temperature measurements. When the temperature approaches the threshold, the controller reduces the power level to maintain safe operating temperatures. This parameter adjustment allows the system to balance cooking efficiency with protection of temperature-sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If temperature feedback control is implemented to protect temperature-sensitive components, then component safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a temperature feedback loop that uses a temperature sensor to monitor cooktop surface temperature and automatically adjusts power delivery through the controller. This automated feedback system improves component safety by preventing overheating without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on temperature readings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature control system operates autonomously by continuously monitoring its own operating conditions and self-adjusting the power supply to maintain safe temperatures. The controller receives temperature signals from the sensor and automatically modulates the induction coil power without user intervention, allowing the system to protect itself and its components while maintaining relatively simple operation for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Effectively prevents overheating of temperature-sensitive components, ensuring their safety and extending their lifespan by maintaining temperatures below damaging levels.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cooking zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

at least one heating element disposed beneath the cooktop in the cooking zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

conventional induction cooking appliances regulate the power supplied to the induction coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20220357045A1Temperature limiting software to enable use of temperature-sensitive components on induction cooktops

Publication Date: 2022.11.10 ELECTROLUX CONSUMER PROD INC

AI summary

A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having a cooking zone with at least one heating element beneath the cooktop in the cooking zone, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cooking zone, and a controller. The controller executes a temperature-protect mode upon receiving an indication of a presence of a temperature-sensitive component on the surface of the cooktop by adjusting power supplied to the heating element in response to a detected temperature of the cooking zone approaching, meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature in order to ensure that the detected temperature does not exceed the threshold temperature beyond a predetermined degree and/or for a predetermined period of time. The threshold temperature is predetermined to be one that will not damage the temperature-sensitive component.