Cooking Appliance Frequency Control for Intermodulation Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking appliances struggle to provide a flexible and easy-to-implement setting for average output power while minimizing intermodulation noise, especially when operating multiple heating frequency units simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance device with at least two heating frequency units, where one unit operates continuously at a fixed frequency and the other unit is operated in alternating time intervals with a frequency differing by at least 15 kHz, allowing for flexible adjustment of average output power and easy implementation through control signals, while minimizing intermodulation noise by adapting duty cycles and frequencies to match target powers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating frequency units are operated simultaneously to provide flexible output power settings, then adaptability is improved, but intermodulation noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput power setting flexibilityVSAvoidintermodulation noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by operating the second heating frequency unit in alternating first and second time intervals. During the first time interval, the second heating frequency unit operates at a frequency different from the first frequency unit. During the second time interval, the second heating frequency unit is switched off. This periodic operation allows flexible average output power control while minimizing intermodulation noise by reducing simultaneous operation of multiple frequency units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the second heating frequency unit is switched off in alternating time intervals to reduce intermodulation noise, then harmful factors are reduced, but continuous heating capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermodulation noiseVSAvoidcontinuous heating capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the frequency of the second heating frequency unit during the first time interval. The frequency is selected to be different from the first frequency unit by at least 15 kHz, preferably at least 16 kHz, and particularly advantageously by at least 17 kHz. This frequency parameter change allows the system to achieve flexible average output power settings while minimizing intermodulation noise. The duty cycle of the periodic operation is adjusted to maintain the required average power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible and precise adjustment of average output powers across multiple heating frequency units, effectively reducing intermodulation noise and adhering to legal standards, enhancing operating comfort and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

The invention is based on a cooking appliance device with at least one first and at least one second heating frequency unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a heating unit comprises a radiant heater, a resistance heater and/or preferably an induction heater, which is intended to convert electrical energy into heat indirectly via induced eddy currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP2506664B1Cooking device
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2506664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2506664B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2506664B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooking appliance with at least one first and at least one second heating frequency unit (10a, 12a; 10b, 12b) and with at least one control unit (14a; 14b) designed to operate the first heating frequency unit (10a; 10b) continuously at a fixed first frequency (f1) and to operate the second heating frequency unit (12a; 12b) in at least one first time interval (TA) and to switch it off in at least one second time interval (TB). To provide a cooking appliance of this type that allows for advantageously flexible and easily implementable adjustment of an average output power, it is proposed that the control unit (14a; 14b) be designed to operate the second heating frequency unit (12a; 12b) in the first time interval (TA) at at least one frequency (f2) that differs from the first frequency (f1) by at least 15 kHz.