Apparatus and method for use with induction heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating systems require ferromagnetic containers for effective heating, which can be inconvenient when ferromagnetic containers are not available or when users prefer not to use microwave ovens, and existing solutions for non-ferromagnetic containers are limited by their compatibility with specific induction devices.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a ferromagnetic base that generates Eddy currents for heating and an induction coil that converts magnetic energy into electrical energy to drive a motor for stirring, allowing for the use of diamagnetic containers with any induction heating element without the need for a rotating magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a ferromagnetic container is used for induction heating, then effective heating is achieved, but convenience is reduced due to container availability and cleaning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ferromagnetic property is extracted from the container and transferred to the base of the cooking apparatus. The base contains the ferromagnetic material that interacts with the induction heating element, while the container can be any non-magnetic material such as glass, ceramic, or plastic, eliminating the need for specialized ferromagnetic containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A ferromagnetic base acts as an intermediary between the induction heating element and the food product. The base converts the magnetic field from the induction element into thermal energy through Eddy currents, which then transfers heat to the food product in the container, enabling heating without direct magnetic interaction with the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a magnetic stirring device with rotating magnetic field is used, then stirring capability is achieved, but compatibility with standard induction elements is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestirring automationVSAvoidinduction element compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic stirring mechanism is replaced with a mechanical motor-driven stirring system. The motor is powered by electrical energy generated from the induction heating element through an induction coil, converting the magnetic field into electrical current that drives the motor, which in turn drives the stirrer mechanically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus generates its own electrical energy for motor operation directly from the induction heating element through electromagnetic induction. The induction coil captures the magnetic field from the heating element and converts it into electrical energy that powers the motor, making the system self-sufficient and compatible with any induction element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If manual stirring is required during heating, then heating can proceed, but user time and effort are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating processVSAvoiduser attention time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs stirring automatically through the motor-driven stirrer without requiring user intervention. Once the apparatus is placed on the induction heating element, the system autonomously generates electrical energy to power the motor, which continuously stirs the food product throughout the heating process, freeing the user from manual stirring tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables heating and stirring of food products in diamagnetic containers using any induction heating element, providing a compact and user-friendly solution that prevents overheating of the container and ensures efficient heat transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The ferromagnetic base arranged to convert magnetic energy from said induction heating element into thermal energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

The oscillating magnetic field causes the generation of Eddy currents in the ferromagnetic material of the container, which Eddy currents heat up the ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

an induction coil arranged to convert magnetic energy from said induction heating element into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230355040A1Apparatus and method for use with induction heating

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 VERSUNI HLDG BV

AI summary

An apparatus for use with an induction heating element is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ferromagnetic base to convert magnetic energy from the induction heating element into thermal energy, an induction coil to convert magnetic energy from said induction heating element into electrical energy, a waterproof housing containing an electronic circuit conductively coupled to the induction coil; and a motor controlled by said electronic circuit using the electrical energy; and an agitator driven by the motor. Also disclosed is a system that includes the induction heating element, an apparatus, and a method of heating and stirring a food product in a diamagnetic container using the apparatus on the induction heating element.