Patent Application
20240164578
The present subject matter relates generally to gas cooktops, and more particularly, to griddle assemblies including removable temperature probes for use in gas cooktops.
Conventional gas cooktop appliances have one or more gas burners, e.g., positioned at a cooktop surface for use in heating or cooking an object, such as a cooking utensil and its contents. These gas burners typically combust a mixture of gaseous fuel and air to generate heat for cooking. These gas cooktops may include a grate or other support structure for receiving various cooking utensils, such as a griddle. For example, griddles may be positioned on the grate of the gas cooktop and may extend across multiple gas burners to provide a large, flat cooking surface.
Notably, it may frequently be desirable to facilitate a closed loop cooking cycle with removable cooking utensils such as a griddle, e.g., by monitoring the temperature of the griddle and adjusting the gas burners to maintain the desired griddle temperature. Accordingly, certain conventional countertop griddle appliances include permanently mounted temperature sensors hardwired to a controller for facilitating a closed loop cooking process. However, these griddles are not usable with a gas cooktop, are not consumer removable, and the temperature probes are fixed within the griddle. Even if such griddles and temperature probes were removable, ensuring proper positioning of the temperature probe within the griddle may be difficult, potentially resulting in inaccurate temperature readings, failed communication with a supervisory controller, etc.
Accordingly, a gas cooktop including a user removable griddle with temperature measuring capabilities would be useful. More specifically, a temperature probe that may be used with a griddle on a gas cooktop and that ensures quick and secure installation and removal with improved communication of temperature measurements would be particularly beneficial.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, a gas cooktop defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction is provided. The gas cooktop includes a gas burner for selectively generating a flow of heated air, a griddle defining an outer side and a probe receptacle defined in the outer side, a griddle magnet positioned within the probe receptacle, and a temperature sensor configured for receipt within the probe receptacle. The temperature sensor includes a sensor housing, a temperature probe extending from the sensor housing, a probe switch positioned on the sensor housing, and a probe magnet positioned on the sensor housing, the probe magnet engaging and griddle magnet to secure the temperature sensor and trigger the probe switch when the temperature probe is installed in the probe receptacle.
In another exemplary embodiment, a griddle assembly for a gas cooktop is provided. The gas cooktop includes a gas burner for selectively generating a flow of heated air. The griddle assembly includes a griddle defining an outer side and a probe receptacle defined in the outer side, a griddle magnet positioned within the probe receptacle, and a temperature sensor configured for receipt within the probe receptacle. The temperature sensor includes a sensor housing, a temperature probe extending from the sensor housing, a probe switch positioned on the sensor housing, and a probe magnet positioned on the sensor housing, the probe magnet engaging and griddle magnet to secure the temperature sensor and trigger the probe switch when the temperature probe is installed in the probe receptacle.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Gas cooktop 100 includes a top panel 102 that includes one or more heating sources, such as heating elements 104 for use in, e.g., heating or cooking. Top panel 102, as used herein, refers to any upper surface of gas cooktop 100 over which utensils may be heated and therefore food cooked. In general, top panel 102 may be constructed of any suitably rigid and heat resistant material capable of supporting heating elements 104, cooking utensils, and/or other components of gas cooktop 100. By way of example, top panel 102 may be constructed of enameled steel, stainless steel, glass, ceramics, and combinations thereof.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the heating elements 104 of gas cooktop 100 are gas burners. However, although referred to as “gas cooktop” herein, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be applicable to other cooktop appliances, e.g., such as electrical resistance cooktops, inductive cooktops, etc. In addition, gas cooktop 100 may include one or more grates 106 configured to support a cooking utensil, such as a pot, pan, etc. In general, grates 106 include a plurality of elongated members 108, e.g., formed of cast metal, such as cast iron. The cooking utensil may be placed on the elongated members 108 of each grate 106 such that the cooking utensil rests on an upper surface of elongated members 108 during the cooking process. Heating elements 104 are positioned underneath the various grates 106 such that heating elements 104 provide thermal energy to cooking utensils above top panel 102 by combustion of fuel below the cooking utensils.
In some embodiments, the heating elements 104 of gas cooktop 100 may include a plurality of gas burners that are positioned on and/or within top panel 102 and have various sizes, as shown in
In the illustrated example embodiments, each gas burner 110, 112 includes a generally circular shape from which a flame may be emitted. As shown, each gas burner 110, 112 includes a plurality of fuel ports defined circumferentially in fluid communication with an internal passage of each respective gas burner 110, 112. In some embodiments, one or both of the first gas burner 110 and the second gas burner 112 may be a multi-ring burner. For example, the first gas burner 110 may include a first plurality of fuel ports defining a first ring of the first gas burner 110 and a second plurality of fuel ports defining a second ring of the first gas burner 110. In such embodiments, a first fuel chamber in fluid communication with the first plurality of fuel ports may be separated from a second fuel chamber in fluid communication with the second plurality of fuel ports by a wall within the first gas burner 110, and fuel may be selectively supplied to one or both of the fuel chambers within first gas burner 110. In some embodiments of a cooktop appliance, multiple burners of differing types may be provided in combination, e.g., one or more single-ring burners as well as one or more multi-ring burners. Moreover, other suitable burner configurations are also possible.
According to the illustrated example embodiment, a user interface panel or control panel 120 is located within convenient reach of a user of gas cooktop 100. For this example embodiment, control panel 120 includes control knobs 122 that are each associated with one of heating elements 104. Control knobs 122 allow the user to activate each heating element 104 and regulate the amount of heat input each heating element 104 provides to a cooking utensil located thereon. Although gas cooktop 100 is illustrated as including control knobs 122 for controlling heating elements 104, it will be understood that control knobs 122 and the configuration of gas cooktop 100 shown in
According to the illustrated embodiment, control knobs 122 are located within control panel 120 of gas cooktop 100. However, it should be appreciated that this location is used only for the purpose of explanation, and that other locations and configurations of control panel 120 and control knobs 122 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. Indeed, according to alternative embodiments, control knobs 122 may instead be located directly on top panel 102 or elsewhere on gas cooktop 100, e.g., on a backsplash, front bezel, or any other suitable surface of gas cooktop 100. Control panel 120 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.
Referring again to
As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller 124 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.
Controller 124 may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.
For example, controller 124 may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of gas cooktop 100. In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller 124 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller 124.
The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller 124. The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller 124) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 124 through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller 124 may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of gas cooktop 100, controller 124, an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.
As shown in
The bottom surface 134 of the griddle 130 may be supported by grate 106 when positioned on gas cooktop 100. For example, bottom surface 134 of the griddle 130 may be in contact with one or more elongated members 108 of grate 106, such as with a peripheral support surface and an intermediate support surface thereof. In addition, it should be appreciated that grate 106 and/or griddle 130 may define complementary features to facilitate proper positioning and alignment of griddle 130 on gas cooktop 100. In this regard, grate 106 may define engagement features (e.g., such as elongated members 108) and griddle 130 may define complementary features (e.g., such as a geometry of outer side 150 or feet 138 as shown in
In some embodiments, gas cooktop 100 may be configured for closed-loop cooking. For example, controller 124 may be operable to receive a set temperature (such as from a user input of the gas cooktop 100 or wirelessly from a remote device such as a smartphone) and compare the set temperature to temperature measurements from one or more temperature sensors, such as a temperature sensor associated with a cooking utensil (such as griddle 130), to each gas burner 110, 112. Controller 124 may be further programmed to automatically adjust each burner, such as a fuel flow rate to each burner, based on the comparison of the corresponding temperature measurement to the set temperature.
Accordingly, gas cooktop 100 or griddle assembly 128 may include a removably embedded temperature sensor 140 to provide temperature feedback to facilitate such a closed loop cooking process. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, temperature sensor 140 may generally include a sensor housing 142 and a temperature probe 144 extending therefrom for receipt within griddle 130, as described in more detail below. In general, sensor housing 142 may contain operating electronics and a wireless communication module, e.g., for communicating with controller 124 of gas cooktop 100. For example, the sensor housing 142 and temperature probe 144 may be formed as a single, hermetically sealed package.
As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 140 may each be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition, temperature sensor 140 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature being measured. Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described herein, it should be appreciated that gas cooktop may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature sensors according to alternative embodiments.
As shown, griddle 130 may be configured to removably and securely receive temperature sensor 140. For example, as illustrated in the figures, griddle 130 may define an outer side 150, e.g., an outer perimeter of griddle 130 within a horizontal plane (e.g., defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T). Temperature sensor 140 may be slidably received within griddle 130 through outer side 150. More specifically, for example, griddle 130 may define a probe receptacle 152 within outer side 150. Probe receptacle 152 may generally include a probe channel 154 that is configured for slidably receiving temperature probe 144 and a housing recess 156 that is generally configured for receiving sensor housing 142.
It should be appreciated that probe receptacle 152 may be positioned at any suitable location on griddle 130. According to the example illustrated embodiments, probe receptacle is defined on a front side (e.g., forward along the transverse direction) of outer side 150, e.g., to facilitate ease of manipulation by a consumer. In addition, probe receptacle 152 may be defined on a front, corner of griddle 130 (e.g., on a front, left corner as shown in
Referring still generally to
As shown for example in
More specifically, as shown in
Griddle 130 may be formed from any material that is suitably rigid and suitable for high temperature cooking operations. In this regard, for example, griddle 130 may be formed from a nonferrous material, such as aluminum alloy. Notably, construction from such a material may reduce the magnetic attraction between probe magnet 162 and griddle 130, e.g., such that a user may easily position temperature sensor 140 for engagement with griddle magnet 160 during the installation process. According to still other embodiments, griddle 130 may be formed from a ferrous material, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Other materials and griddle constructions are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to the illustrated embodiment, griddle magnet 160 may be recessed within probe receptacle 152 and permanently secured within griddle 130. Similarly, probe magnet 162 may be recessed within sensor housing 142 and permanently attached therein. Specifically, a contact wall 166 (e.g., the back wall along the transverse direction T) of housing recess 156 may define a griddle recess 168 for receiving griddle magnet 160 such that a surface of griddle magnet 160 sits flush with contact wall 166. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, griddle magnet 160 is an annular magnet that surrounds a contact pin 170 that defines a center of griddle recess 168. For example, during manufacturing, griddle magnet 160 may be positioned around contact pin 170 which may be stamped or deformed to lock griddle magnet 160 in place within griddle 130.
According to example embodiments, probe magnet 162 may be secured within sensor housing 142 in a manner similar to that described above. In this regard, probe magnet 162 may be secured within a probe recess 174 that is defined within rear wall 176 of sensor housing 142. During manufacturing, probe magnet 162 may be placed within probe recess 174 and may be overmolded into place or sensor housing 142 may otherwise be formed to lock probe magnet 162 in place. In addition, or alternatively, any other suitable adhesive or manner of attaching a griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.
Referring now specifically to
Notably, the configuration of griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 may facilitate the triggering of probe switch 180. In this regard, according to the illustrated embodiment, probe magnet 162 may be annular and concentrically positioned about probe switch 180. In this manner, the magnetic force between griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 may ensure firm engagement between contact pin 170 and probe switch 180.
According to example embodiments, probe receptacle 152 may be designed to securely receive temperature sensor 140 in a predetermined orientation. In this regard, probe receptacle 152 and temperature sensor 140 may be “poka-yoked,” or designed such that improper installation of temperature sensor 140 is unlikely or not possible at all. In this regard, for example, housing recess 156 may have a specific geometry or footprint that corresponds to the geometry of sensor housing 142, e.g., such that sensor housing 142 may only be received within housing recess 156 in a particular orientation. In addition, temperature probe 144 may be offset relative to a center of sensor housing 142 and probe channel 154 may be similarly offset relative to housing recess 156. In addition, griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 may be positioned and configured for ensuring the desired positioning and alignment of temperature sensor 140 in the installed position. As best illustrated in
In addition, griddle magnet 160 may be positioned in contact wall 166 and probe magnet 162 may be positioned in a rear wall 176 such that proper engagement between these magnets aligns sensor housing 142 within housing recess 156 such that a gap 182 is defined between sides 184 of sensor housing 144 and the walls of housing recess 156. In this manner, thermal contact between griddle 130 and sensor housing 142 may be minimized, thereby preventing conductive heat transfer to the sensitive electronics within temperature sensor 140.
According to still other embodiments, griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 may be polymagnets that are configured to position and align sensor housing 142 within probe receptacle 152 in the installed position. In this regard, “polymagnets,” which are sometimes referred to as programmed magnets, are magnetic structures that incorporate magnetic patterns with alternating polarity complementary to other polymagnets in a particular orientation. In this regard, griddle magnet 160 and probe magnet 162 may generate localized magnetic fields that are complementary to each other and facilitate proper relative alignment and orientation.
Temperature sensor 140 may generally be formed from any suitable material capable of withstanding the high temperature associated with a cooking process. For example, sensor housing 142 may generally be formed from any suitable high-temperature thermoset material. According to still other embodiments, it should be appreciated that sensor housing 142 may be surrounded by any suitable insulating sleeve or coating. For example, temperature sensor 140 may include a ceramic contact insert that defines rear wall 176 of sensor housing 142. In this manner, the only physical contact between sensor housing 142 and griddle 130 may be a relatively insulative and durable contact piece.
Notably, whether temperature sensor 140 is positioned at a center of griddle 130 or at a front corner of griddle 130 (e.g., as shown in
More specifically, controller may be in operative communication with temperature sensor 140 and may begin communications with temperature sensor 140 when probe switch 180 is depressed. In this manner, controller 124 may facilitate a closed loop cooking process when temperature sensor 140 is properly installed. In this regard, the closed loop cooking process may include obtaining griddle temperature measurements from temperature sensor 140 and adjusting the operation of first gas burner 110 and second gas burner 112 to ensure that the griddle temperature is urged toward a target cooking temperature.
As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a griddle that has a magnetic removable wireless temperature probe for cooking appliances. The griddle or pan may be rectangular, may include a handle at two ends, and a receptacle may be defined at one end of griddle to house the wireless temperature probe. The removable wireless temperature probe may have a magnet embedded within it that is concentrically positioned about a plunger switch. The griddle has a receptacle for receiving the temperature probe. The magnets may come in contact with the magnets in the griddle receptacle to complete the attachment of the wireless temperature probe. When connected, the temperature probe is in thermal connection with the griddle and the temperature of the griddle may be controlled to a desired set temperature. The temperature probe can be removed before cleaning the griddle.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
