Patent Publication Number: US-2023137454-A1

Title: Oven appliance and methods of state-contingent operation

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to oven appliances, and more particularly, to methods of operating an oven appliance for state-contingent cooking. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional residential and commercial oven appliances generally include a cabinet that includes a cooking chamber for receipt of food items for cooking. Multiple gas or electric heating elements are positioned within the cabinet for heating the cooking chamber to cook food items located therein. The heating elements can include, for example, a bake heating assembly positioned at a bottom of the cooking chamber and a separate broiler heating assembly positioned at a top of the cooking chamber. 
     Typically, food or utensils for cooking are placed on wire racks within the cooking chamber and above the bake heating assembly. In some instances, protective or radiant plates are positioned over the bake heating assembly to protect the bake heating assembly or assist in evenly distributing heat across the bottom of the cooking chamber. Nonetheless, certain food items, such as pizzas or breads, may benefit from very high, localized (i.e., non-diffuse) heat, or a cooking utensil with a relatively high thermal mass may be used. This may be case when using a stone or specialized high-heat pan (e.g., to trap heat against the bottom of flat-breads or pizza) or a cast iron skillet. 
     Difficulties may arise in executing localized, high-heat operations, or with using cooking utensils that are heavy or otherwise have a high thermal mass. In particular, it may be difficult to consistently or appropriately heat the cooking chamber or cooking utensils therein. The wide variation for temperatures within an oven appliance (e.g., prior to preheating the oven appliance) may make it especially difficult to achieve consistent temperatures following a preheating cycle. Additionally or alternatively, problems with consistency or accuracy within an oven appliance may be exacerbated by cooking multiple items in relatively quick succession. For instance, if a user attempts to cook multiple items, one right after the other, trapped heat may cause the later-cooked items to reach certain internal temperatures faster or at a different rate than the earlier-cooked items. This can result in inconsistent or unsuitable (e.g., burned) food items. As a result, typical cooking appliances require all heating elements to completely deactivate while the cooking chamber is allowed to cool significantly (e.g., to within 100° Fahrenheit of the ambient temperature). 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an oven appliance or methods for consistently or accurately heating an oven appliance (e.g., regardless of the temperature within the cooking chamber prior to preheating). Additionally or alternatively, it would be advantageous to provide an oven appliance or methods for consistently cooking separate items at a high heat and in quick succession (e.g., without requiring the oven to completely deactivate or return to a temperature near the ambient temperature). 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance may include a cabinet, a plurality of chamber walls, a cooking surface, a heating element, and a controller. The plurality of chamber walls may be mounted within the cabinet. The plurality of chamber walls may define an oven chamber. The cooking surface may be defined in the oven chamber. The heating element may be mounted in thermal communication with the oven chamber to heat the cooking surface. The controller may be in operative communication with the heating element. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooking operation that includes determining a cooking stability state within the oven chamber, directing a preheating cycle within the oven chamber following determining the cooking stability state, selecting a parameter value according to the cooking stability state, and directing activation of the heating element in a cooking cycle according to the selected parameter value following the preheating cycle. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an oven appliance is provided. The method may include determining a cooking stability state within an oven chamber. The method may further include directing a preheating cycle within the oven chamber following determining the cooking stability state. The method may still further include selecting a parameter value according to the cooking stability state and directing activation of the heating element in a cooking cycle according to the selected parameter value following the preheating cycle. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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. 
         FIG.  1    provides an elevation view of an oven appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of an upper cooking chamber of the exemplary oven appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    provides another perspective view of the upper cooking chamber of the exemplary oven appliance of  FIG.  1   , wherein a cooking plate has been omitted for clarity. 
         FIG.  4    provides an elevation view of the exemplary upper cooking chamber of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    provides a schematic elevation view of the upper cooking chamber of the exemplary oven appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart illustrating of method of operating an oven appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a flow chart illustrating of method of operating an oven appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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 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 term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). 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 “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a double oven appliance  100  according to the present disclosure. 
     Although aspects of the present subject matter are described herein in the context of a double oven appliance  100 , it should be appreciated that oven appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other oven or range appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well (e.g., single ovens, electric cooktop ovens, induction cooktops ovens, etc.). 
     Generally, oven appliance  100  has a cabinet  101  that defines a vertical direction V, a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T. The vertical, longitudinal and transverse directions are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for appliance  100 , e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet  101  does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of appliance  100 . By contrast, cabinet  101  may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet  101 . It should be appreciated that cabinet  101  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Double oven appliance  100  includes an upper oven  120  and a lower oven  140  positioned below upper oven  120  along the vertical direction V. Upper and lower ovens  120  and  140  include oven or cooking chambers  122  and  142 , respectively, configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. Specifically, cabinet  101  defines a respective opening  123  for each cooking chamber  122  and  142 . For instance, an upper opening  123  may be defined (e.g., along the transverse direction T) to access upper cooking chamber  122 . 
     Double oven appliance  100  includes an upper door  124  and a lower door  144  in order to permit selective access to cooking chambers  122  and  142 , respectively (e.g., via the corresponding opening). Handles  102  are mounted to upper and lower doors  124  and  144  to assist a user with opening and closing doors  124  and  144  in order to access cooking chambers  122  and  142 . As an example, a user can pull on handle  102  mounted to upper door  124  to open or close upper door  124  and access cooking chamber  122 . Glass window panes  104  provide for viewing the contents of cooking chambers  122  and  142  when doors  124 ,  144  are closed and also assist with insulating cooking chambers  122  and  142 . Optionally, a seal or gasket (e.g., gasket  114 ) extends between each door  124 ,  144  and cabinet  101  (e.g., when the corresponding door  124  or  144  is in the closed position). Such gasket may assist with maintaining heat and cooking fumes within the corresponding cooking chamber  122  or  142  when the door  124  or  144  is in the closed position. Moreover, heating elements, such as electric resistance heating elements, gas burners, microwave elements, etc., are positioned within upper and lower oven  120  and  140 . 
     A control panel  106  of double oven appliance  100  provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of double oven appliance  100 . For example, a user can touch control panel  106  to trigger one of user inputs  108 . In response to user manipulation of user inputs  108 , various components of the double oven appliance  100  can be operated. Control panel  106  may also include a display  112 , such as a digital display, operable to display various parameters (e.g., temperature, time, cooking cycle, etc.) of the double oven appliance  100 . 
     Generally, oven appliance  100  may include a controller  110  in operative communication (e.g., operably coupled via a wired or wireless channel) with control panel  106 . Control panel  106  of oven appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  110  via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication buses, and signals generated in controller  110  operate oven appliance  100  in response to user input via user input devices  108 . Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  110  and various operational components of oven appliance  100  such that operation of oven appliance  100  can be regulated by controller  110 . In addition, controller  110  may also be communication with one or more sensors, such as a first temperature sensor (TS 1 )  176 A or a second temperature sensor (TS 2 )  176 B ( FIG.  5   ). Generally, either or both TS 1   176 A and TS 2   176 B may include or be provided as a thermistor or thermocouple, which may be used to measure temperature at a location proximate to upper cooking chamber  122  and provide such measurements to the controller  110 . Although TS 1   176 A is illustrated as a probe extending proximate to or above bottom heating element  150  (e.g., to or below a cooking plate  154 ) and TS 2   176 B is illustrated proximate to or below top heating element  152  (e.g., above ribs  134  or cooking plate  154 ), it should be appreciated that other sensor types, positions, and configurations may be used according to alternative embodiments. 
     Controller  110  is a “processing device” or “controller” and may be embodied as described herein. Controller  110  may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICS), CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of oven appliance  100 , and controller  110  is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM, electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  110  may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry; such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  2  through  5   , various views are provided illustrating, in particular, upper cooking chamber  122  of upper oven  120 . As shown, upper cooking chamber  122  is generally defined by a back wall  126 , a top wall  128  and a bottom wall  130  spaced from top wall  128  along the vertical direction V by opposing side walls  132  (e.g., a first wall and a second wall). Optionally, a front plate  136  may be attached to the walls to define the upper opening  123 . For instance, front plate  136  may extend along bottom wall  130 , top wall  128 , and the opposing side walls  132  about upper opening  123 . In turn, gasket  114  may be mounted on or engaged with front plate  136  (e.g., when the corresponding upper door is closed). In some embodiments opposing side walls  132  include embossed ribs  134  such that a baking rack containing food items may be slidably received onto embossed ribs  134  and may be moved into and out of upper cooking chamber  122  when door  124  is open. Optionally, such walls  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  may be included within an outer casing  146  of cabinet  101 , as is understood. 
     As shown, upper oven includes one or more heating elements to heat upper cooking chamber  122  (e.g., as directed by controller  110  as part of a cooking operation). For instance, a bottom heating element  150  may be mounted at a bottom portion of upper cooking chamber  122  (e.g., above bottom wall  130 ). Additionally or alternatively, a top heating element  152  may be mounted at a top portion of upper cooking chamber  122  (e.g., below top wall  128 ). Bottom heating element  150  and top heating element  152  may be used independently or simultaneously to heat upper cooking chamber  122 , perform a baking or broil operation, perform a cleaning cycle, etc. 
     The heating elements  150 ,  152  may be provided as any suitable heater for generating heat within upper cooking chamber  122 . For instance, either heating element may include an electric heating element (e.g., resistance wire elements, radiant heating element, electric tubular heater or CALROD®, halogen heating element, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, either heating element may include a gas burner. 
     In some embodiments, a cooking plate  154  is provided within upper cooking chamber  122 . Specifically, cooking plate  154  is disposed above bottom heating element  150  and may generally cover the same. Along with being disposed above bottom heating element  150 , cooking plate  154  is disposed below top heating element  152  and may be disposed below (e.g., at a lower vertical height than) each of the embossed ribs. In certain embodiments, cooking plate  154  is located at or near the same vertical height as the bottommost edge of upper opening  123 . Thus, cooking plate  154  may generally be disposed proximal to the lower end of the cooking chamber  122 . 
     When mounted within cooking chamber  122 , cooking plate  154  may extend along the transverse direction T between a front end  160  and a rear end  162 , along the lateral direction L between a first lateral end  164  and a second lateral end  166 , and along the vertical direction V between an upper cooking surface  156  and a lower surface  158 . The cooking surface  156 , in particular, may be disposed between the bottom wall  130  and the top wall  128 . Moreover, cooking surface  156  may be proximal to the bottom wall  130  and, thus, distal to the top wall  128 . In some embodiments, cooking plate  154  is provided as a solid nonpermeable member. Thus, food or fluids may be prevented from passing through cooking plate  154  (e.g., along the vertical direction V or perpendicular to cooking surface  156 ). In certain embodiments, cooking plate  154  includes or is formed from a conductive metal material, such as cast iron, steel, or aluminum (e.g., including alloys thereof). In additional or alternative embodiments, cooking plate  154  includes or is formed from a heat-retaining material, such as clay, stone (e.g., cordierite), ceramic, cast iron, or ceramic-coated carbon steel. 
     As shown, the cooking plate  154  may be disposed directly above (e.g., in vertical alignment with) the bottom heating element  150 . Moreover, cooking plate  154  may define a horizontal footprint that spans across horizontal footprint of bottom heating element  150 . In turn, cooking plate  154  may fully cover bottom heating element  150 . When mounted within cooking chamber  122 , cooking plate  154  may block or otherwise prevent access to bottom heating element  150 , such as by a user reaching into the cooking chamber  122 . Additionally or alternatively, the bottom heating element  150  may be held out of view such that a user is unable to see the bottom heating element  150 . During use, heat generated at bottom heating element  150  may be directed upward to a lower surface  158  of cooking plate  154 . As noted, bottom heating element  150  may be vertically aligned with (e.g., directly beneath) the cooking plate  154 . The heat generated at bottom heating element  150  may thus be guided primarily or initially to the underside of cooking plate  154 . 
     One or more temperature sensors (e.g., TS 1   176 A) may be provided proximal to the bottom wall  130  (i.e., distal to top wall  128 ) in or otherwise within thermal communication with cooking chamber  122 , for instance, to detect the temperature of bottom heating element  150  or cooking plate  154 . Optionally, TS 1   176 A may be mounted or held between the bottom heating element  150  and the cooking plate  154 . In some embodiments, a TS 1   176 A is disposed against (e.g., a bottom surface of) cooking plate  154 . As an example, TS 1   176 A may be disposed on a bottom surface of cooking plate  154  (e.g., when cooking plate  154  is mounted within cooking chamber  122 ). As an additional or alternative example, TS 1   176 A may be held within a recess in cooking plate  154 . As an additional or alternative example, TS 1   176 A may be embedded within cooking plate  154 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, one or more temperature sensors (e.g., TS 2   176 B) may be provided proximal to the top wall  128  (i.e., distal to bottom wall  130 ) in or otherwise within thermal communication with cooking chamber  122 , for instance, to detect the temperature of top heating element  152  or cooking chamber  122 , generally. Optionally, TS 2   176 B may be mounted between the top wall  128  and the cooking plate  154  (e.g., above TS 1   176 A). In some embodiments, TS 2   176 B is mounted at or below heating element  152 . Specifically, TS 2   176 B may be laterally positioned between the side walls  132  (e.g., at substantially the lateral middle of cooking chamber  122 ). As an example, TS 2   176 B may be connected to or otherwise supported on back wall  126  (e.g., via a mechanical fastener, clip, or hook). 
     When assembled, the temperature sensor(s)  176 A,  176 B may be operably coupled to controller  110 . Moreover, the controller  110  may be configured to control top heating element  152  or bottom heating element  150  based on one or more temperatures detected at the temperature sensor(s)  176 A,  176 B (e.g., as part of a cooking operation). In some embodiments, a cooking operation initiated by the controller  110  may thus include detecting one or more temperatures of TS 1   176 A and TS 2   176 B, and directing heat output from (e.g., a heat setting of) top heating element  152  or bottom heating element  150  based on the detected temperature(s). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the present disclosure may further be directed to methods (e.g., method  600  or  700 ) of operating an oven appliance, such as appliance  100 . In exemplary embodiments, the controller  110  may be operable to perform various steps of a method in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     The methods (e.g.,  600  or  700 ) may occur as, or as part of, a cooking operation (e.g., short-cycle cooking operation) of oven appliance  100 . In particular, the methods (e.g.,  600  or  700 ) disclosed herein may advantageously facilitate a cooking plate or surface within a cooking chamber to be brought to a temperature (e.g., selected by a user) consistently or accurately. Additionally or alternatively, the methods (e.g.,  600  or  700 ) may advantageously permit multiple cooking cycles to be performed in relatively quick succession (e.g., without requiring deactivation of all heating elements, without requiring significant cooling of the cooking chamber, or while facilitating rapid or even redistribution of heat within the cooking chamber between cooking cycles). 
     It is noted that the order of steps within methods  600  and  700  are for illustrative purposes. Moreover, neither method  600  nor  700  is mutually exclusive. In other words, methods within the present disclosure may include either or both of methods  600  and  700 . Both may be adopted or characterized as being fulfilled in a common operation. Except as otherwise indicated, one or more steps in the below method  600  or  700  may be changed, rearranged, performed in a different order, or otherwise modified without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Turning especially to  FIG.  6   , at  610 , the method  600  includes initiating a cooking operation. In particular, the cooking operation may initiate or begin in response to one or more operation signals. Generally, the operation signal may indicate that a specific cooking operation (e.g., short-cycle or localized, high-heat cooking operation) is planned (e.g., by a user). For instance, the cooking operation signal may correspond to a user input (e.g., at the control panel). Thus, user engagement of a particular button or input at the control panel may transmit the operation signal to the controller. 
     At  620 , the method  600  includes determining a cooking stability state within the cooking chamber. Specifically, the cooking stability state may be determined to be either a steady state or a transient state (e.g., based on one or more detected conditions of the oven appliance). The steady state may be understood as a state typically associated with recent use of the oven appliance, while the transient state may be understood as a less recent use of the oven appliance. 
     In some embodiments, the cooking stability state corresponds to or is based on the temperature (e.g., within the cooking chamber). Determining the cooking state may include detecting the temperature value at one or more temperature sensors mounted in thermal communication with the cooking chamber (e.g., as described above). Optionally, one or more temperature thresholds for the cooking state may be predetermined or programmed (e.g., within the controller). In some such embodiments, detecting temperature value(s) greater than the threshold(s) may indicate a steady stability state. As an example, an instance of one or both of the upper temperature sensor and the lower temperature sensor detecting a temperature value above a corresponding temperature threshold (e.g., a different or, alternatively, identical temperature threshold for each temperature sensor) may result in a determination of a steady stability state. By contrast, temperature value(s) less than or equal to the temperature threshold(s) may indicate a transient stability state. As an example, an instance of one or both of the upper temperature sensor and the lower temperature sensor detecting a temperature value less than or equal to the corresponding temperature threshold may result in a determination of transient stability state. 
     At  630 , the method  600  includes directing a preheating cycle. Generally, such preheating cycles are known and may direct the cooking chamber to a selected temperature (e.g., as commanded or input by a user). As an example, one or more of the heating elements may be activated (e.g., at a set power or heat output) until one or more preheating conditions are met, such as expiration of a predetermined preheating period or detection of a target temperature at one or more of the temperature sensors. 
     In some embodiments, initiation of the preheating cycle at  630  follows determination of the stability state at  620 . Thus, the stability state may be determined prior to activation of the heating elements or preheating cycle, generally. 
     At  640 , the method  600  includes selecting a parameter value. In particular, one or more parameter values may be selected according to the cooking stability state determined at  620 . Generally, the parameter value(s) may each provide a value to control operation of the oven appliance during a cooking cycle (e.g., following the preheating cycle). Such parameter values may, thus, influence or control activation of one or more of the heating elements. 
     As an example, the parameter value may include a temperature swing range, such as a range of temperatures (e.g., relative to a selected target or user setpoint temperature) between which the cooking chamber may be permitted to fall before activating/deactivating the heating element(s). As an additional or alternative example, the parameter value may include an active interval for the heating elements (e.g., specifying the continuous active time for the bottom or top heating element(s) during a duty cycle of the cooking operation). As another additional or alternative example, the parameter value may include an inactive interval for the heating elements (e.g., specifying the continuous inactive time for the bottom or top heating element(s) during a duty cycle of the cooking operation). As yet another additional or alternative example, the parameter value may include an offset temperature value for modifying the target or setpoint temperature during a cooking cycle (e.g., specifying how much the user target or setpoint temperature should be increased/decreased at the controller to control activation of the heating elements during the cooking operation). 
     Separate from, or in addition to, influencing or controlling activation of the heating elements, the parameter values may be different depending on the stability state. Thus, a parameter value corresponding to the steady state may be different from a parameter value corresponding to the transient state. As a result, the controller may be provided or programmed with one or more steady-state parameter values and one or more transient parameter values. As an example, the steady-state active interval may be less than the transient active interval. As an additional or alternative example, the steady-state inactive interval may be greater than the transient inactive interval. As another additional or alternative example, the steady-state offset temperature value may be less than the transient offset temperature value. 
     The parameter values may be predetermined (e.g., fixed or constant) values or, alternatively, variable values. In turn,  640  may include selecting a steady-state parameter value (e.g., as a predetermined or, alternatively, variable steady-state value), such as when a steady stability state is determined at  620 . Similarly,  640  may include selecting a transient parameter value (e.g., as a predetermined or variable transient value). 
     In the case of variable values, such parameter values may be contingent on, for instance, a detected temperature or time. 
     As an example, a steady-state parameter value (e.g., temperature swing range, active interval for a heating element, inactive interval for a heating element, offset temperature value, etc.) may be based on the determined cooking stability state (e.g., temperature value detected at one or more of the above-described temperature sensors) at  620  prior to  630 . In particular, the detected temperature value from  620  may be used to select the variable value, such as by a using a predetermined look-up table, chart, or formula correlating a known input variable of the detected temperature value with an output of the steady-state parameter value. In some such examples, the steady-state parameter values are proportional to the difference between the detected temperature value and the temperature threshold. Thus, the steady-state parameter value may be a function of a difference value (e.g., the temperature threshold minus the detected temperature value at  620 ). Additionally or alternatively, a detected time period (e.g., period of elapsed time) since a set trigger instance or action (e.g., the start or initiation of the preheat cycle) may be used to select the variable value, such as by using a predetermined look-up table, chart, or formula correlating a known input variable of the detected time period with an output of the steady-state parameter value. 
     As another example, a transient parameter value (e.g., temperature swing range, active interval for a heating element, inactive interval for a heating element, offset temperature value, etc.) may be based on the determined cooking stability state (e.g., temperature value detected at one or more of the above-described temperature sensors) at  620  prior to  630 . In particular, the detected temperature value from  620  may be used to select the variable value, such as by a using a predetermined look-up table, chart, or formula correlating a known input variable of the detected temperature value with an output of the transient parameter value. In some such examples, the transient parameter values are proportional to the difference between the detected temperature value and the temperature threshold. Thus, the transient parameter value may be a function of a difference value (e.g., the temperature threshold minus the detected temperature value at  620 ). Additionally or alternatively, a detected time period (e.g., period of elapsed time) since a set trigger instance or action (e.g., the most-recent prior cooking cycle) may be used to select the variable value, such as by using a predetermined look-up table, chart, or formula correlating a known input variable of the detected time period with an output of the transient parameter value. 
     At  650 , the method  600  includes directing activation of one or more heating elements in a cooking cycle. Specifically, activation of the heating elements, or the cooking cycle generally, may be directed according the selected parameter value(s). Thus, the selected parameter value(s) (e.g., for the temperature swing range, active interval for a heating element, inactive interval for a heating element, offset temperature value, etc.) may be used to determine when or how the heating element(s) are activated, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. 
     Turning especially to  FIG.  7   , at  710 , the method  700  includes initiating a cooking operation. In particular, the cooking operation may initiate or begin in response to one or more operation signals. Generally, the operation signal may indicate that a specific cooking operation (e.g., short-cycle or localized, high-heat cooking operation) is planned (e.g., by a user). For instance, the cooking operation signal may correspond to a user input (e.g., at the control panel). Thus, user engagement of a particular button or input at the control panel may transmit the operation signal to the controller. 
     At  720 , following  710 , the method  700  includes determining a cooking stability state within the cooking chamber. Specifically, the cooking stability state may be determined to be either a steady state or a transient state (e.g., based on one or more detected conditions of the oven appliance). The steady state may be understood as a state typically associated with recent use of the oven appliance, while the transient state may be understood as a less recent use of the oven appliance. 
     As shown, the cooking stability state may correspond to or be based on the temperature (e.g., within the cooking chamber). Determining the cooking state may include detecting the temperature value at the temperature sensors mounted in thermal communication with the cooking chamber (e.g., as described above). In particular, a temperature T 1  may be detected at the lower temperature sensor. A separate temperature T 2  may be detected at the upper temperature sensor. A first temperature threshold Th 1  may be predetermined or programmed (e.g., within the controller) for the lower temperature sensor. A second temperature threshold Th 2  (e.g., distinct from Th 1 ) may be predetermined or programmed (e.g., within the controller) for the upper temperature sensor. Optionally, detecting that either T 1  or T 2  is above the corresponding temperature threshold Th 1  or Th 2  may result in a determination of a steady stability state (i.e., “STEADY). By contrast, if both T 1  and T 2  are less than or equal to the corresponding temperature threshold Th 1  or Th 2  may result in a determination a transient stability state (e.g., indicated by the absence of a set “STEADY” stability state). 
     At  730 , following  720 , the method  700  includes directing a preheating cycle. Generally, such preheating cycles are known and may direct the cooking chamber to a selected temperature (e.g., as commanded or input by a user). As an example, one or more of the heating elements may be activated (e.g., at a set power or heat output) until one or more preheating conditions are met, such as expiration of a predetermined preheating period or detection of a target temperature at one or more of the temperature sensors. 
     At  740 , following  730 , the method  700  includes evaluating the stability state. In particular, the method  700  may determine if the stability state is a steady stability or a transient stability state. A steady stability state may prompt the method  700  to  752  while a transient stability state may prompt the method  700  to  754 . 
     Based on determined cooking stability state,  740  may include selecting a parameter value (e.g., in order to proceed to  752  or  754 ). Generally, the parameter value(s) may each provide a value to control operation of the oven appliance during a cooking cycle (e.g., following the preheating cycle). Such parameter values may, thus, influence or control activation of one or more of the heating elements. As described above, the parameter value(s) may include a temperature swing range, an active interval (e.g., for the bottom or top heating element), an inactive interval (e.g., for the bottom or top heating element), or an offset temperature. Moreover, the parameter value(s) for the steady state (i.e., steady-state parameter values) may be different than the parameter value(s) for the transient state (i.e., transient parameter values). As also described above, the parameter value(s) for one or both of the steady state and the transient state may be predetermined or, alternatively, variable steady-state/transient value(s). 
     As noted above, in response to a determination of a steady state at  740 , the method  700  may proceed to  752 . At  752 , the method  700  includes initiating or otherwise directing a steady-state standby phase. As would be understood, a steady-state standby phase may generally provide for maintaining the temperature within the oven following the preheat phase (e.g., at the user-selected temperature or a predetermined temperature, such as a standby temperature below the user target or setpoint temperature). The steady-state standby phase may include a scheme or instructions for activating one or more of the heating elements according to the (e.g., steady-state) temperature swing range, active interval, inactive interval, or offset temperature. In some embodiments, the steady-state standby phase continues until a user action (“USER ACTION  3 ”) is taken, such as a user input at the control panel to indicate a user wishes to proceed to the cooking cycle (e.g., at  762 ) 
     At  762 , following  752 , the method  700  includes directing activation of one or more heating elements in a steady-state cooking cycle. Specifically, activation of the heating elements, or the cooking cycle generally, may be directed according the steady-state parameter value(s). Thus, the selected parameter value(s) (e.g., for the temperature swing range, active interval for a heating element, inactive interval for a heating element, offset temperature value, etc.) may be used to determine when or how the heating element(s) are activated, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the steady-state cooking cycle continues until a user action (“USER ACTION  4 ”) is taken, such as a user input at the control panel to indicate a user wishes to proceed to end the cooking cycle (e.g., so that a new cooking cycle for a new food item may be performed). 
     Separately from  752  and  762 , and as noted above, in response to a determination of a transient state at  740 , the method  700  may proceed to  754 . At  754 , the method  700  includes initiating or otherwise directing a transient standby phase. As would be understood, a transient standby phase may generally provide for maintaining the temperature within the oven following the preheat phase (e.g., at the user-selected temperature or a predetermined temperature, such as a standby temperature below the user target or setpoint temperature). The transient standby phase may include a scheme or instructions for activating one or more of the heating elements according to the (e.g., transient) temperature swing range, active interval, inactive interval, or offset temperature. In some embodiments, the transient standby phase continues until a user action (“USER ACTION  1 ”) is taken, such as a user input at the control panel to indicate a user wishes to proceed to the cooking cycle (e.g., at  764 ). 
     Optionally, a transient standby time period may be set or programmed (e.g., within the controller). In particular, the transient standby time period may establish a maximum time period (e.g., in minutes) for the transient standby phase in the event that USER ACTION  1  is never received. In response to expiration of the transient standby time period, the method  700  may proceed directly to  752  (e.g., without proceeding to  764 ). 
     At  764 , following  754  or receipt of the USER ACTION  1 , the method  700  includes directing activation of one or more heating elements in a transient cooking cycle. Specifically, activation of the heating elements, or the cooking cycle generally, may be directed according the transient parameter value(s). Thus, the selected parameter value(s) (e.g., for the temperature swing range, active interval for a heating element, inactive interval for a heating element, offset temperature value, etc.) may be used to determine when or how the heating element(s) are activated, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the transient cooking cycle continues until a user action (“USER ACTION  2 ”) is taken, such as a user input at the control panel to indicate a user wishes to proceed to end the cooking cycle (e.g., so that a new cooking cycle for a new food item may be performed). 
     In the event that cooking operations are not halted (e.g., by the user) or the oven appliance is not otherwise directed to an inactive/non-cooking state, the method  700  may proceed to  770  following  762  or  764  (e.g., in response to receiving USER ACTION  4  or USER ACTION  2 ). At  770 , following the method  700  includes directing recharge activation of the heating element(s) (e.g., top heating element or bottom heating element). As would be understood, recharge activation may direct the cooking chamber to a lower temperature (e.g., according to a restricted or recharge cycle). Thus, heat output at the heating element(s) may be halted or reduced, such as by setting a reduced duty cycle, power output, or temperature threshold for one or more of the heating element(s). 
     In some embodiments, the  770  can include receiving one or more temperature signals from the temperature sensor during the restriction condition (e.g., during the recharge activation). Optionally,  770  may include directing the heating element(s) according to a recharge threshold. For instance,  770  may include directing the heating element(s) to maintain the oven chamber or a cooking surface at the recharge threshold (e.g., as part of a maintenance cycle directing temperature between an upper recharge threshold and a lower recharge threshold). As would be understood, such actions may be continued or repeated (e.g., according to a feedback loop) during the restriction condition. 
     Following  770  (e.g., in response to expiration of a predetermined time limit for  770 , in response to receiving a discrete user input, or in response to detecting a temperature threshold is reached at one or more of the temperature sensors), the method  700  may return to  752  and certain steps may be repeated, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. 
     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.