Method and a control unit for controlling a cooking process on an induction cooking hob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking hobs require frequent user intervention for power adjustments during cooking processes like boiling and frying to maintain temperature and prevent boiling over, leading to inefficient energy use and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that calculates average slope values from temperature-time diagrams using sliding windows of different intervals to automatically adjust power, allowing for user-independent operation and customizable settings for various pots and pans, with acoustic and optical signals for temperature confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power is periodically adjusted to maintain temperature and prevent boiling over, then the cooking process can be controlled, but the user must be permanently present in front of the cooking hob
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of power based on temperature feedback. The control unit automatically detects when the set temperature is reached or when boiling occurs, and adjusts power accordingly without requiring user intervention. This enables the cooking hob to serve itself by autonomously maintaining optimal cooking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature via temperature sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust power output. When the measured temperature reaches the setpoint or indicates boiling, the control unit reduces power to maintain the desired cooking state, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates the need for permanent user presence.
2Temperature
If the power is periodically adjusted to maintain temperature, then the required temperature can be maintained, but energy is wasted through needless consumption after the boiling point is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives temperature feedback from sensors and compares it with the setpoint. When the temperature reaches or exceeds the target (indicating boiling or desired cooking temperature), the system automatically reduces power to maintain the temperature without excessive energy consumption. This feedback-driven adjustment prevents needless energy waste while maintaining optimal cooking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic temperature measurements and power adjustments at defined intervals. This periodic monitoring and adjustment ensures that power is reduced at the appropriate moment when the boiling point or target temperature is reached, preventing energy waste while maintaining temperature control throughout the cooking process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature settings are used for frying, then different frying temperatures can be achieved, but frequent user intervention is required to adjust power
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to select from multiple preset frying temperature modes, and then autonomously maintains the selected temperature without requiring further user adjustments. The control unit automatically adapts to the chosen temperature setting and performs all necessary power adjustments independently, enabling versatile cooking options while eliminating frequent user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power output based on the selected temperature mode and real-time temperature feedback. Different frying temperature presets are implemented through dynamic control strategies that automatically adapt the heating power to maintain the desired temperature, providing versatility while reducing the need for manual adjustments.
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
Enables hands-free operation of induction cooking hobs by automatically maintaining set temperatures and boiling intensities or frying temperatures, reducing energy waste and user effort, while allowing for adaptation to different cooking vessels.
Implementation Method 1
induction cooking hob
Implementation Method 2
The power transfer from the induction cooking hob to the pan is very good
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensor at a lower face of top plate detects the temperature of the cooking container
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a cooking process on an induction cooking hob (10). The method includes setting a temperature value or parameter value corresponding with the temperature by a user. A control unit of the induction cooking hob (10) sets a maximum power (Pmax) for a corresponding cooking zone, calculates an average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) of a temperature-time-diagram (20, 22, 24) of the cooking process, compares the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) with a corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3), and indicates that the temperature or parameter has obtained the set temperature value or parameter value, respectively, if the average slope value (S1, S2, ASP) is equal with or smaller than the corresponding threshold value (THR1, THR2, THR3). The method and control unit are provided for controlling a boiling process and a frying process on an induction cooking hob.