Induction Cooker LED Flame Imaging for Heating State Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cookers lack a clear visual indication of the heating state, making it difficult for users to recognize the cooking vessel's heating status from a distance or without direct observation due to the absence of flames, which complicates the perception of the heating process.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating cooker incorporates reinforced heat-resistant glass, an induction coil unit, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), convex lenses, a light-blocking film, and a slit to project a virtual image of flames on the cooking vessel, enhancing visibility and recognition of the heating state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a general display unit is used to show heating state, then the heating state can be displayed, but the recognition quality is poor and difficult to recognize from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual image copy of real flames using LEDs and optical components. Instead of displaying abstract heating state information through a conventional display unit, the system generates a visual replica of actual flames that appears on the cooking vessel surface, providing intuitive and high-quality recognition of the heating state from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses colored LEDs (typically red or orange) to generate light that mimics the color and appearance of real flames. This color-based visual representation enhances the recognizability of the heating state by replicating the characteristic appearance of fire, making it easily distinguishable from a distance.
2Device complexity
If LEDs are placed close to the induction coil unit, then the structure is compact, but the flame image becomes distorted and placement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the LEDs in a radial direction away from the induction coil unit rather than placing them directly adjacent in the vertical dimension. This radial arrangement in a different spatial dimension allows for greater placement flexibility and accommodates various cooking vessel sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs controllable LEDs that can be independently adjusted in intensity and timing to dynamically adapt to different cooking conditions, vessel types, and viewing angles. This dynamic control allows the flame image to maintain quality across various placements and cooking scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the slit is made thick to allow sufficient light passage, then light transmission is improved, but the flame image becomes blurry and loses definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the slit thickness parameter to a specific range (0.5-1.0mm) that balances light transmission and image sharpness. Additionally, the system adjusts LED intensity and positioning parameters to compensate for the slit's light-filtering effect, maintaining both sufficient brightness and clear flame image definition.
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
The solution provides a realistic and intuitive visual representation of flames on the cooking vessel, improving user recognition of the heating state and aesthetic appeal by creating a flame image with the same height, width, and volume appearance as real flames, allowing for flexible placement and size compatibility of the cooking vessel.
Implementation Method 1
The induction coil unit may be located under the reinforced heat resistant glass and configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
An induction heating cooker is a cooking appliance configured to heat foods by using the principle of induction heating
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of convex lenses may be provided on front surfaces of the plurality of LEDs, respectively
Implementation Method 4
The light blocking film may be provided on a lower surface of the reinforced heat resistant glass. The slit may be formed in the light blocking film and allow light radiated from the plurality of LEDs to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating cooker including reinforced heat resistant glass on which a cooking vessel is placed, an induction coil unit located under the reinforced heat resistant glass and configured to generate a magnetic field, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) provided radially outside and vertically below the induction coil unit while being spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the induction coil unit, a plurality of convex lenses provided on front surfaces of the plurality of LEDs, respectively, a light blocking film provided on a lower surface of the reinforced heat resistant glass, and a slit formed in the light blocking film and allowing light radiated from the plurality of LEDs to pass therethrough, so that light radiated from the LEDs are slantingly projected to form an image of flame, which looks real, on a lower end portion of a side surface of the cooking vessel.