Cooking Appliance Switching Unit for Multi-Voltage Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliance apparatuses lack flexibility and efficiency in power supply, limiting the ability to adjust power stages and achieve fast heating of the cooking chamber.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching unit that connects the heating element to different supply voltages, including a first and second supply voltage in distinct operating states, with the second supply voltage having a higher frequency for increased power output, and a high-frequency power supply unit to optimize power input to the heating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heating element is connected directly to a supply voltage from a power supply network, then the apparatus can operate with simple power supply, but the power output is limited and cannot be adjusted flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply system adjustable through a switching unit that can connect the heating element to different supply voltages dynamically. The system transitions from a fixed direct connection to a dynamic configuration where the heating element can be connected to either the power supply network or a high-frequency power supply unit based on operational requirements, enabling flexible power output adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed to be universally compatible with multiple power supply sources. The switching unit enables the heating element to function with both standard power supply network voltage and high-frequency power supply voltage, making the heating element multi-functional and adaptable to different power sources depending on the desired power output and heating requirements.
2Power
If resistors are connected in parallel to reduce total resistance and increase power output, then power output increases, but the system becomes less efficient and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the resistance configuration by adding parallel resistors, the patent changes the fundamental parameter of supply voltage frequency and level. By switching to a high-frequency power supply with optimized voltage parameters, the system achieves higher power output through parameter optimization rather than resistance reduction, maintaining energy efficiency while increasing power capability.
3Power
If the heating element operates in pulsed mode to reduce power output, then power consumption is reduced, but heating speed and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic action through pulsed high-frequency power supply delivery. The control unit can deliver power in optimized pulses or continuous high-frequency cycles, allowing the heating element to achieve rapid heating when needed while consuming less energy during maintenance phases. This periodic high-frequency power delivery is more efficient than traditional low-frequency pulsed operation.
4Speed
If a high-frequency power supply unit is added to enable fast heating and high power output, then heating speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit serves as an intermediary component that manages the complexity introduced by the high-frequency power supply unit. It acts as a mediator between the power supply network, the high-frequency power supply unit, and the heating element, selecting and connecting the appropriate power source based on operational requirements. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve fast heating capability while containing complexity within a dedicated control component.
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 allows for high flexibility and convenience in power supply, enabling fast heating and efficient operation of the cooking chamber by adjusting power stages and achieving high power output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element, which is provided to heat the cooking chamber at least partially
Implementation Method 2
at least one switching unit, which is provided to connect the heating element to at least one first supply voltage in at least one first operating state and to at least one second supply voltage, which is different from the first supply voltage, in at least one second operating state
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance apparatus, in particular an oven apparatus, includes a muffle which defines a cooking chamber, and a heating element to heat the cooking chamber at least partially. A switching unit connects the heating element to a first supply voltage in a first operating state and to a second supply voltage in a second operating state, with the second supply voltage being different from the first supply voltage.