Coaxial Induction Heating Coils with Independent Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooking systems lack independent control over inner and outer regions, leading to limited heat adjustment and potential interference between coaxial regions, affecting control and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The induction cooking appliance features two coaxial induction heating coils with separate control, positioned in non-series electrical communication, and ferrite cores to minimize magnetic field interference, allowing for independent power management and improved control over each region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single coil with two coaxial regions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and reliability deteriorate because one region cannot be deactivated without deactivating the other and interference occurs between regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil structureVSAvoidmulti-region control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single coil is divided into two separate coaxial coils (inner coil and outer coil), each capable of independent control. This segmentation allows the inner and outer heating regions to be independently activated or deactivated, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If two coaxial regions are formed by a single coil connected in series, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the current and power cannot be adjusted independently in each region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidindependent power adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection is segmented by providing separate electrical connections for the inner coil and outer coil to the power source. This allows independent current and power adjustment for each coil, enabling flexible adaptation to different cooking requirements while maintaining manageable electrical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If coaxial regions are spaced apart by a circular gap, then the interference between regions is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases to maintain proper spacing and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field interferenceVSAvoidcoaxial alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A non-magnetic spacer or support structure is introduced as an intermediary element to maintain the precise coaxial alignment and spacing between the inner and outer coils. This mediator ensures proper positioning while minimizing magnetic field interference, reducing the manufacturing precision burden on the coils themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables reliable multi-region control, allowing for precise heat adjustment and reduced interference, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the cooking process.

Implementation Method 1

When the coil is activated, a magnetic field is produced, which then induces a current on the bottom surface of the cookware. The induced current on the bottom surface induces even smaller currents (Eddy currents) within the cookware, thereby providing heat throughout the cookware.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The induced current on the bottom surface induces even smaller currents (Eddy currents) within the cookware, thereby providing heat throughout the cookware.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

The heating assembly may include a first set of circumferentially-spaced ferrite cores and a second set of circumferentially-spaced ferrite cores. The first set of circumferentially-spaced ferrite cores may be positioned below the first induction heating coil. The second set of circumferentially-spaced ferrite cores may be positioned below the second induction heating coil.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11219101B2Induction cooking appliance having multiple heating coils
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11219101B2 patent drawing
  • US11219101B2 patent drawing
  • US11219101B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An induction cooking appliance is provided herein. The induction cooking appliance may include an upper cooking surface, a power source, and a heating assembly in electrical communication with the power source. The power source may be configured to supply a power signal during heating operations. The heating assembly may include a first induction heating coil and a second induction heating coil. The first induction heating coil may be positioned below the upper cooking surface in electrical communication with the power source. The second induction heating coil may be positioned coaxial with the first induction heating coil below the upper cooking surface. The second induction heating coil may be disposed in electrical communication with the power source in non-series communication with the first induction heating coil.