Induction Hob Dual-Temperature Control for Food Core

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current induction cooking appliances lack precise control over both the cooking medium temperature and the inner temperature of the food, leading to inconsistent cooking results, especially for certain types of food that require specific temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance and method that allows automatic regulation of heat power based on two temperature values: one for the cooking medium and another for the central area of the food, using temperature probes and a control unit to ensure the food reaches the optimal cooking temperature, regardless of the cooking medium or food thickness, with user interface programming options for various cooking techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature control is based only on cooking vessel or cooking medium temperature, then the control system is simple, but the food inner temperature cannot reach the optimum point for consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood inner temperature controlVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two separate sensors: one for measuring the cooking medium temperature and another for measuring the food inner temperature. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of both temperatures, enabling precise control of food cooking while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary that receives temperature data from both sensors and automatically adjusts the heating power accordingly. This intermediary component coordinates the control logic, eliminating the need for complex manual control while achieving precise food temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual temperature adjustment is used, then the device structure is simple, but stable and accurate cooking process cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking process stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where temperature sensors continuously monitor both the cooking medium and food inner temperatures, and the microcontroller automatically adjusts the heating power based on this feedback. This ensures stable and accurate cooking process while maintaining simple device structure through automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If cooking time is extended at lower temperatures, then food properties are better preserved, but cooking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood quality preservationVSAvoidcooking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic temperature control that automatically adjusts heating power based on real-time temperature measurements. The system can operate at lower temperatures for extended periods to preserve food quality, or increase temperature when needed to reduce cooking time, providing flexible adaptation to different cooking requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures accurate and stable cooking by automatically adjusting heat power to maintain optimal food core temperature, extending cooking time at lower temperatures for better preservation of food properties, preventing overcooking or burning.

Implementation Method 1

an induction hob (2) arranged for receiving a cooking vessel (R)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power unit (3) configured for the induction hob (2) electric power supply (E)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3369290B1Cooking appliance and method
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 CATA CORPORACION 2000
  • EP3369290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369290B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cooking appliance and method associated thereto, wherein said appliance (1) comprises an induction hob (2) arranged for receiving a cooking vessel (R); a power unit (3) configured for supplying electric power (E) to the induction hob (2); and a control unit (4) configured for regulating the electric power being supplied. Said appliance (1) additionally comprises a temperature control device (10) featuring a first temperature probe (11) configured for measuring a first temperature (T1) associated to a cooking medium (M); and a second temperature probe (12) configured for measuring a second temperature (T2) associated to a food (F) which is dipped into the cooking medium (M). Said temperature control device (10) is configured for communicating with the control unit (4), allowing regulation of the electric power according to the values of the first and second temperature (T1, T2).