Method for adapting a heating output of at least one heating element of a domestic appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances, particularly food processors, face challenges in accurately measuring the temperature of food due to temperature sensors being integrated in the base rather than in direct contact with the food, leading to uneven heat distribution and unreliable heating control, especially when the agitator is stationary or the filling level is high.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the heating output by regulating electrical energy supply to the heating element, involving a heating-up phase, temperature maintenance phase, and stabilization phase, where the heating output is limited and adjusted to achieve a stabilization temperature higher than the target temperature for faster and more efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a temperature sensor is integrated in the base of the mixing vessel, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the temperature measurement becomes inaccurate and heating control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (food medium) that transfers thermal energy from the heating element to the temperature sensor. The sensor measures the temperature of the food indirectly through thermal conduction, allowing accurate measurement without direct sensor contact with the food, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact measurement (sensor touching food) with thermal field measurement (sensor measuring temperature through the base). This substitution allows the sensor to remain in a fixed, easy-to-manufacture position while still obtaining accurate temperature data through thermal conduction principles
2Loss of energy
If the agitator does not turn or turns only slowly, then energy consumption is reduced and mechanical wear is minimized, but heat distribution in the mixing vessel becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic agitation cycles where the agitator alternates between rotating and stationary positions. During rotation phases, heat is distributed throughout the medium; during stationary phases, energy consumption is minimized. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and heat distribution uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the agitator speed and rotation patterns based on real-time temperature measurements. The system adjusts agitation intensity dynamically to achieve uniform heat distribution while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption, transforming a static system into an adaptive dynamic system
3Productivity
If the filling level of food in the mixing vessel is too high, then the processing capacity is increased, but the temperature measured by the sensor deviates from the actual temperature of the medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the food medium itself as an intermediary to transmit thermal information from the heating zone to the sensor. Even at high filling levels, the thermal conduction through the base and the thermal convection within the medium ensure that the sensor receives accurate temperature information, resolving the contradiction between processing capacity and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors temperature and adjusts heating power accordingly. The measured temperature serves as feedback to the control algorithm, which compensates for measurement deviations caused by high filling levels, thus maintaining accurate temperature control despite increased processing capacity
4Device complexity
If heating control is based on local temperature measurement, then the control system is simple and responsive, but the heating process becomes slow and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic heating control where the heating power is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements and predictive algorithms. The system adapts heating intensity dynamically to account for thermal inertia and heat distribution patterns, achieving fast and reliable heating without complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predictive control algorithms that anticipate future temperature states based on current measurements and system characteristics. By performing preliminary calculations of required heating power, the system can proactively adjust heating to achieve target temperatures faster, resolving the contradiction between simple control and fast heating
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
This method ensures the medium reaches the desired temperature quickly and efficiently by overcoming the limitations of existing temperature measurement and heat distribution issues, providing a more reliable and faster heating process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (40) for heating the medium (30)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (50) for carrying out at least one measurement of a temperature (T) in a receiving space (20) of the household appliance (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for adjusting the heating power of at least one heating element (40) of a household appliance (10), wherein the household appliance (10) comprises a temperature sensor (50) for measuring a temperature (T) at a receiving chamber (20) of the household appliance (10).The following steps are provided: a) Performing a heating phase (A) with heating power adjustment such that the temperature (T) approaches a predetermined target temperature (S), b) Performing a temperature maintenance phase (B) when the temperature (T) has reached the target temperature (S), whereby heating power is limited during the temperature maintenance phase (B), c) Performing at least one evaluation of the temperature (T) against the target temperature (S) during the temperature maintenance phase (B) so that an evaluation result is determined, d) Performing a stabilization phase (C) if the evaluation result fulfills a stabilization criterion, whereby during the stabilization phase (C) the heating power is adjusted such that the temperature (T) approaches a specific stabilization temperature (ST), where the stabilization temperature (ST) is higher than the target temperature (S).