Boil and boil-dry detection systems for cooking appliances using vibration sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking operations involving liquids often result in manual control issues, leading to over-boiling, energy inefficiency, and cookware damage due to the lack of precise monitoring of boiling and boil-dry conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cooking sensor system incorporating a vibration sensor assembly that generates signals corresponding to cookware vibrations, processed by a processor to determine boiling and boil-dry conditions, and an indicator/control element to provide feedback and adjust heating inputs accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control and visual/auditory monitoring are used to detect boiling conditions, then the operator can control heating input, but this leads to over-boiling, energy inefficiency, and cookware damage due to lack of precise monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual and auditory monitoring with an automated vibration sensor system. The vibration sensor detects mechanical vibrations generated by boiling liquids, and a processor analyzes these vibrations to precisely determine boiling conditions. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution eliminates human error and provides continuous, precise monitoring, preventing over-boiling and energy waste while maintaining simple operation for the user.
2Reliability
If manual control is used for boiling operations, then the operator can adjust heating input, but this results in lack of precise monitoring leading to cookware damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vibration sensor continuously monitors boiling conditions, the processor analyzes the vibration data to detect boil-dry conditions, and the system provides feedback through indicator elements or control elements. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable cookware protection by automatically detecting when liquid is depleted and alerting the user or adjusting heating, while the modular sensor assembly keeps the added complexity manageable and integrated.
3Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are used to detect boiling conditions, then precise monitoring is achieved, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs multiple tasks: detecting boiling onset, monitoring boiling intensity, detecting boil-dry conditions, and providing data for control systems. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated assembly rather than separate sensors for each function, the patent achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity. The universal sensor serves multiple purposes throughout the boiling process.
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 system enhances control over boiling operations, reduces energy usage, prevents cookware damage, and minimizes food waste by accurately detecting and managing boiling and boil-dry conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration sensor assembly configured to generate a vibration signal that corresponds to vibrations of cookware situated on the burner assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method of boil and boil-dry detection for cooking appliances. The method includes the steps: detecting vibrations that correspond to cookware situated on a burner assembly; generating a vibration signal based on the vibrations; and performing signal processing on the vibration signal. The method also includes the steps: collecting vibration data related to the vibration signal; and detecting boiling and boil-dry conditions for a liquid contained within the cookware based at least in part on an evaluation of the vibration data.