Induction Fondue Heating With Vessel Temperature Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional food heating systems often fail to maintain optimal temperature control, especially for specialty foods like fondues, due to reliance on linear heating protocols and inaccurate temperature estimation, leading to overheating or slow heating.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating system with a control system that estimates the actual temperature of an induction-compatible cooking vessel and adjusts the induction heater to maintain a predetermined temperature threshold, utilizing predefined temperature curves for different foods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional linear heating protocols are used, then the heating process is simple to implement, but the food is heated too slowly or overheated resulting in poor temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidheating protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic heating protocols that adjust heating parameters in real-time based on the cooking stage. The system transitions from high-power melting phase to lower-power maintenance phase, adapting heating intensity to the current temperature and food state rather than using fixed linear protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses temperature sensors and control algorithms to continuously monitor actual temperature and adjust heating power accordingly. The controller compares target temperature profiles with actual readings and modifies heating output to maintain optimal temperature, preventing both overheating and underheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If open flame or electric heater systems are used, then the heating source is simple to implement, but the temperature adjustment is hard to optimize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adjustabilityVSAvoidtemperature control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical heating sources (open flames, simple electric heaters) with an induction heating system controlled by microprocessor-based algorithms. This substitution enables precise electronic control of heating parameters while maintaining the simplicity of the heating element itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes multiple heating parameters including power level, heating duration, and temperature thresholds based on the specific food type and cooking stage. Pre-programmed profiles for different fondues allow automatic adjustment of these parameters without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If continuous cooking process is used, then the heating is continuous, but the food is overheated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating durationVSAvoidmaximum temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic heating cycles with distinct phases: an initial high-power melting phase followed by a lower-power maintenance phase. The system periodically adjusts heating intensity based on whether the food is being melted or maintained, preventing continuous overheating while ensuring thorough heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies excessive heating (high power) only during the necessary melting phase, then reduces to partial heating (maintenance power) for the remainder of the cooking process. This avoids the harm of continuous excessive heating while ensuring the food reaches the required temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The system efficiently heats and maintains food at optimal temperatures, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent quality for chocolate fondue, cheese fondue, bourguignonne, and hot pot.

Implementation Method 1

an induction heater... The cooking vessel is formed of an induction-compatible material and includes a base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4604676A1Perfect fondue/bourguignonne with temperature control
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • EP4604676A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4604676A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4604676A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An induction heating system (10) includes an induction heater (12), a user interface (14) for setting a desired temperature value (Td) of induction heater (12), and a cooking vessel (16). The cooking vessel (16) is formed of an induction-compatible material and includes a base (18), an exterior wall (20), and an interior surface (22). A control system (100) is configured to receive the desired temperature value (Td) of the induction heater (12), estimate an actual temperature value (Te) of the cooking vessel (16), and compare the estimated temperature value (Te) with the desired temperature value (Td). If a difference between the estimated and desired temperature values (Te, Td) is outside of a predetermined threshold, the control system (100) adjusts the induction heater (12) until the difference between the estimated and desired temperature values (Te, Td) is within the predetermined threshold.