Light Guide for Cooktop Cooldown Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric cooktops lack effective communication of heating conditions to users, particularly during the cooldown phase, as they do not provide clear visual indicators of surface temperature after the burner is deactivated.
Innovation Solution
A translucent cooktop with an integrated light module that includes a light guide and temperature sensor, which illuminates indicia corresponding to the heating conditions by directing light through the cooktop, providing visual feedback on the surface temperature even after the burner is deactivated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional electric cooktop is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the communication of heating conditions to users is insufficient, particularly during cooldown phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting element, light guide, and cooktop surface into an integrated assembly. The light guide is positioned within the cooktop surface, and the lighting element is mounted on the cooktop, creating a unified structure that provides temperature indication without requiring separate external indicators. This merging approach improves information communication while controlling overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component that transfers light from the lighting element to the indicia on the cooktop surface. The light guide acts as a mediator that channels and directs light to illuminate the temperature indication symbols, enabling effective communication of heating conditions without requiring the lighting element to be directly visible or in contact with the indicia.
2Loss of information
If the light module is deactivated when the burner is deactivated, then energy consumption is reduced, but users cannot see the cooldown status of the cooktop surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the lighting element based on cooktop surface temperature. The lighting element is activated when the surface temperature exceeds a threshold (e.g., 40°C) and deactivated when the temperature drops below the threshold. This dynamic operation ensures the light module provides useful information during cooldown when the surface is still warm, while conserving energy when the surface has cooled to safe temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensing to provide feedback control of the lighting element. A temperature sensor monitors the cooktop surface temperature and automatically controls the activation and deactivation of the light module based on the measured temperature, ensuring the indicia are illuminated only when the surface is warm enough to pose a burn risk or when temperature information is relevant to the user.
3Illumination intensity
If the cooktop surface is made translucent to allow light passage, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the structural integrity and heat resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure for the cooktop surface that combines translucent material with sufficient mechanical strength and heat resistance. The cooktop surface is made of a translucent material (such as glass-ceramic or specialized polymer) that allows light transmission while maintaining the structural integrity and thermal properties required for cooking applications. This composite approach enables both aesthetic improvement through translucency and functional requirements for strength and heat resistance to be satisfied simultaneously.
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 solution effectively communicates the heating conditions and cooldown status to users through illuminated indicia, enhancing safety and usability by providing continuous visual feedback on the cooktop's surface temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface for directing the light upward and through the cooktop such that the light guide is at least partially visible through the cooktop
Implementation Method 2
A temperature sensor is in communication with the light module, wherein the temperature sensor measures a surface temperature of the translucent cooktop proximate the electric burner
Data Source
AI summary
A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.