Induction Food Pan Warmer Soft Start Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulation devices for food service equipment often overheat food pans when heating from cold, leading to uneven cooking, burning, or damage, as they lack a controlled gradual heating mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation device with an induction coil, temperature sensor, and control system that initiates a soft start mode by supplying low power when the food pan temperature falls below a preset minimum, gradually warming the pan to prevent overheating and ensure even heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high power is supplied to the induction coil to heat the food pan quickly, then heating speed is improved, but the food pan may overheat causing uneven cooking, burning, or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply to the induction coil variable rather than constant. The control system dynamically adjusts the power level based on real-time temperature feedback from the temperature sensor, transitioning from high power for rapid heating to low power for gradual warming when the pan is cold, thereby preventing overheating while maintaining heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the food pan temperature and feeding this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the induction coil power accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents overheating by reducing power when the pan reaches appropriate temperature levels
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gradual heating with low power is supplied to the induction coil, then overheating is prevented, but heating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on the food pan's thermal state. When the pan is cold, low power is supplied for gradual warming to prevent overheating. As the pan temperature increases and approaches the target range, the system transitions to higher power levels to reduce overall heating time, optimizing both safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs periodic temperature monitoring and power adjustment cycles. The temperature sensor continuously detects pan temperature, and the control system periodically modifies the induction coil power output based on these readings, creating a rhythm of heating and pausing that prevents overheating while maintaining reasonable heating speed
3Manufacturing precision
If a soft start control mode is initiated for cold food pans, then even heating is ensured, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by using the temperature sensor and control system to automatically detect when the food pan is cold and autonomously initiating the soft start control mode without user intervention. The system self-regulates the heating process, transitioning from gradual warming to normal operation based on temperature feedback, thereby ensuring even heating while keeping the user interface simple
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 device effectively prevents overheating and ensures consistent, even cooking by gradually warming food pans, maintaining desired temperatures and preventing damage to the pan or food.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil configured to warm the food item via inductive heating of the food pan
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the food pan
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulation device for warming or maintaining the temperature of food items includes a food pan configured to hold a food item, an induction coil configured to warm the food item via inductive heating of the food pan, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the food pan, a temperature control system coupled to the induction coil and the temperature sensor. The temperature control system is configured to control the induction coil in response to at least the temperature of the food pan detected by the temperature sensor and initiate a soft start control mode in response to pan placement on the device and detecting the temperature of the food pan below a minimum preset temperature.