Oven Flame Proving With Dual Temperature Differential Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oven appliances face challenges with complex and expensive flame proving systems, such as flame rectification sensors that are prone to contamination and nuisance failures, and traditional thermocouples that are slow to respond at high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A simplified flame proving system using two temperature sensors, one positioned proximate to the gas burner and another distal, which measures a temperature difference to determine flame presence without relying on flame rectification sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flame rectification sensors are used for flame proving, then flame detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor and circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical flame rectification sensing system with a thermal field-based temperature differential measurement system. Instead of using flame rectification sensors and accompanying circuitry to detect flame presence, the system uses two temperature sensors to measure temperature differences in the oven cavity, substituting a complex electrical detection system with a simpler thermal measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive temperature sensors instead of costly flame rectification sensors. The temperature sensors used in the system are significantly cheaper than flame rectification sensors while providing reliable flame detection through temperature differential measurement, reducing the overall cost of the flame proving system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If flame rectification sensors are used for flame proving, then flame detection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical flame rectification sensing system with a thermal field-based temperature differential measurement system, eliminating the need for expensive specialized flame detection hardware and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional thermocouple systems are used for flame proving, then flame detection is achieved, but response speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflame detection capabilityVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two separate temperature sensors positioned at different locations within the oven cavity. One sensor is positioned near the burner to detect localized temperature changes caused by flame presence, while the other sensor measures the ambient oven temperature. This segmentation allows for rapid detection of temperature differentials that indicate flame presence, providing faster response compared to traditional single thermocouple systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides a faster and cheaper method for flame proving by measuring temperature differences between sensors, ensuring reliable detection of flame presence in oven appliances.

Implementation Method 1

A first temperature sensor is positioned proximate the gas burner... The controller is configured for measuring a first temperature with the first temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

A second temperature sensor is distal from the first temperature sensor and the gas burner. The second temperature sensor is positioned and configured to measure a temperature in the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 3

calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and determining a flame is emanating from the gas burner in response to a positive difference between the first temperature and the second temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature differential detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250237385A1Oven appliance with flame proving

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An oven appliance includes a cabinet and a chamber defined within the cabinet for receipt of food items for cooking. A gas burner is positioned in the cabinet, and a first temperature sensor is positioned proximate the gas burner. A second temperature sensor is distal from the first temperature sensor and the gas burner. The second temperature sensor is positioned and configured to measure a temperature in the chamber. A controller is positioned within the cabinet. The controller is configured for measuring a first temperature with the first temperature sensor, measuring a second temperature with the second temperature sensor, calculating a difference between the first temperature and the second temperature, and determining a flame is emanating from the gas burner in response to a positive difference between the first temperature and the second temperature.