US 2026/0267366 A1 · METHOD FOR SENSING INDEPENDENT KNOB ACTIVATION USING A SINGLE OUTPUT SIGNAL

Abstract

A method to detect individual knobs of a cooktop uses a knob activated switch that is connected in series with a 120 VAC source. When closed, the switch connects to a circuit using a Zener diode to clip the 120 VAC waveform per the Zener voltage of the diode, allowing different Zener voltages to create multiple unique waveforms corresponding to each knob input. The waveform from each Zener diode is conditioned to a lower voltage, and then sent through a positive or negative edge detection circuit. Only a single pulse is sent through when either a positive or negative edge of the waveform occurs. A zero cross circuit enables knowing which pulses correspond with which knob, to permit simultaneously reading plural independent signals on a single signal input.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for detecting the respective positions of a plurality of individual knobs of a cooktop, which plurality of individual knobs are operatively associated with a corresponding plurality of individual cooking elements of the cooktop, comprising:

creating a unique waveform corresponding with each respective individual knob whenever a respective individual knob is activated into its on position;
combining all created unique waveforms into a single signal;
and
communicating the single signal to a controller, which determines from the single signal whether each of the plurality of individual knobs are activated.

1 more element

A cooktop appliance, comprising:

a plurality of individual cooking elements, selectively operable to heat one or more loads;
a corresponding plurality of individual knobs, respectively operatively associated with the plurality of individual cooking elements, for controllably switching the respective cooking elements when the knobs are in on or off positions thereof;
a plurality of respective switches, respectively operably associated with each respective individual knob so that each respective switch closes when its respective individual knob is activated;
a circuit associated with the plurality of respective switches and configured to produce a unique waveform corresponding with each switch and its respective individual knob whenever a respective individual knob is activated into its on position;
a controller for the cooktop appliance;
and
a common node for inputting all producing unique waveforms as a single signal input to the controller;
wherein the controller is configured for detecting from the single signal input the respective positions of each of the plurality of individual knobs.

5 more elements

A method for detecting the respective positions of a plurality of respective switches associated with at least one individual control knob using AC input detection, comprising:

associating with at least one individual control knob a plurality of respective switches which close when activated by the at least one individual knob;
connecting each switch with a circuit which is in contact with an AC power input and which produces a unique waveform associated with each switch and its individual knob whenever activated into its on position by its at least one individual knob;
combining all created unique waveforms into a single signal;
and
communicating the single signal to a controller, which determines from the single signal whether each of the plurality of respective switches are activated.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for sensing independent knob activation using a single output signal

Life of this patent

Method for sensing independent knob activation using a single output signal

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20