Cooktop Heating Zone Detection via Boundary Element Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops fail to accurately detect multiple cooking zones when containers are placed side by side, often treating them as a single zone, requiring users to adjust positions until they are recognized as separate zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and hob design that identifies cooking zones by determining the heating elements forming the border between adjacent containers, using a comparison of presence parameter values among adjacent heating elements to distinguish between zones, and distributing heating means accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If heating means are distributed in a two-dimensional grid under the cooking surface, then the heating coverage and flexibility are improved, but the ability to accurately detect and separate adjacent cooking zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous heating field into discrete, addressable heating zones by identifying boundary heating means that separate adjacent cooking zones. Each heating means in the two-dimensional grid can be independently controlled and identified, allowing the system to segment the heating surface into distinct cooking zones based on the presence and position of containers.
2Device complexity
If a simple detection algorithm is used to identify cooking zones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of detecting multiple separate cooking zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detection algorithm that uses feedback from the presence parameter values of heating means to iteratively identify and separate adjacent cooking zones. The algorithm compares presence parameters of adjacent heating means and uses this feedback to determine boundary heating means, continuously refining the detection of cooking zone boundaries until separate zones are properly identified.
3Device complexity
If adjacent containers are treated as a single cooking zone, then the detection system is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must reposition containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating each heating means individually with its own presence parameter, allowing the system to detect local variations in container presence. This enables the detection algorithm to identify boundary heating means where presence parameters change, thereby distinguishing adjacent containers as separate cooking zones based on local differences in the heating field.
Data Source
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Figure 2b~3
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AI summary
The method involves partially covering a set of heating units (200, 300) i.e. inductors, by a container (R10), and identifying the set of heating units partially covered by the container positioned on a cooking surface. Cooking areas (Z10, Z11) are characterized in the identified set of heating units. The heating units forming a boundary between the cooking areas associated respectively to the container and other containers (R11, R12) are determined. The heating units are distributed based on the heating units forming the boundary. An independent claim is also included for a cook top comprising a set of heating units distributed along a bi-dimensional frame under a cooking surface.