Cooking Appliance Sensor Support for Induction Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating cooking appliances face non-uniform temperature distribution and slow temperature sensing response due to uneven magnetic field distribution and reliance on a single temperature sensor, which affects heating efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance design featuring a main temperature sensor and multiple sub temperature sensors closely attached to the upper plate, with the sub sensors mounted outward from the center of the working coil to quickly sense temperatures across a larger area, improving reaction time and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single temperature sensor is disposed at the center of the heating zone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature sensing response speed and accuracy deteriorate due to non-uniform magnetic field distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of temperature sensorsVSAvoidtemperature sensing response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple segments by deploying several temperature sensors (first temperature sensor at the center, second temperature sensor at the periphery, third temperature sensor at another location) instead of using a single sensor. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of temperature at different positions, capturing the non-uniform temperature distribution and improving overall response speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by placing temperature sensors at specific locations where temperature characteristics differ (center, periphery, and other representative positions). Each sensor measures the local temperature condition, and the controller integrates these local measurements to understand the overall temperature distribution, thereby improving sensing accuracy without requiring uniform coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single temperature sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to non-uniform temperature distribution across the heating zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of temperature sensorsVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature measurement function across multiple sensors positioned at different locations (center, periphery, and other representative positions). This allows the system to capture the non-uniform temperature distribution pattern and provide accurate measurements across the entire heating zone, improving overall measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures local temperature conditions at different positions using dedicated sensors. The first temperature sensor measures at the center, the second at the periphery, and the third at another representative location. This local quality approach ensures that temperature variations across the heating zone are captured accurately, improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If temperature sensors are closely attached to the upper plate, then the temperature sensing response speed is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing response timeVSAvoidsensor mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the upper plate structure by closely attaching multiple temperature sensors to the upper plate surface. This integration allows direct measurement of temperature at the heating interface, improving response speed. The controller then integrates data from all sensors to provide comprehensive temperature monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances temperature sensing response speed and accuracy by covering a broader area with multiple sensors, ensuring uniform heating and improved operation of temperature-dependent functions.

Implementation Method 1

when high-frequency power of a predetermined size is applied to the coil, the induction heating method generates an eddy current in the object to be heated consisting of a metal component using a magnetic field generated around the coil to heat the object to be heated itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

magnetic fields are not uniformly distributed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

heat may be conducted slowly from the object to be heated to the temperature sensor disposed at a center of the heating zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4383946A1Cooking appliance
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4383946A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4383946A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4383946A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes an upper plate on which an object to be heated is disposed, a working coil configured to generate magnetic fields for heating the object to be heated, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the upper plate, a sub temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the upper plate, and a sensor support provided with a main mounting portion, on which the main temperature sensor is mounted, and a sub mounting portion, on which the sub temperature sensor is mounted. The sensor support is disposed to be elongated outward from a center of the working coil.