Cooktop Heating Zone Subdivision for Large Cookware Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hobs with variable cooking surfaces struggle to adjust heat output for large cookware without the cookware protruding over the edge, as edge heating zones cannot be adequately modified.
Innovation Solution
A method for subdividing the cooking surface into multiple heating zones, where cooking utensil parameters, such as size and position, are considered to dynamically adjust the heating zones, including the use of a control unit to detect and adapt the cooking surface to the utensil, allowing for flexible operation and manufacturing of hobs that can accommodate various cookware sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cooking surface is divided into fixed heating zones, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different cookware sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating zones are made dynamically adjustable based on detected cookware parameters. The control unit receives cookware size information and automatically configures the heating zones to match the cookware dimensions, allowing the system to adapt from fixed to flexible zoning based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of heating zones (position, size, power distribution) based on detected cookware characteristics. By modifying heating zone parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed parameters, the system achieves versatility without requiring multiple physical configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If edge heating zones are enlarged to accommodate large cookware, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing heating zones with fixed enlarged dimensions, the system dynamically adjusts heating zone boundaries based on detected cookware size. This allows edge zones to effectively enlarge or shrink as needed without requiring high-precision manufacturing of multiple zone configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating zone system serves multiple functions by adapting to different cookware sizes. The same physical heating elements can form different zone configurations, eliminating the need for precision-manufactured specialized zones for each cookware size while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the heating zones are dynamically adjusted based on cookware parameters, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting cookware parameters and configuring heating zones without user intervention. The control unit autonomously processes cookware size information and adjusts heating parameters, eliminating the need for manual zone configuration while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting cookware parameters and using this information to automatically adjust heating zone configuration. The control unit continuously monitors cookware characteristics and modifies heating parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves operation ease through automatic adaptation.
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 the hob to adapt to different cookware sizes by enlarging edge heating zones, preventing cookware from protruding and improving ease of use and flexibility in cooking.
Implementation Method 1
which is intended to detect positioned cooking utensils, in particular by measuring at least one inductance and/or at least one capacitance
Implementation Method 2
which is intended to detect positioned cooking utensils, in particular by measuring at least one inductance and/or at least one capacitance
Implementation Method 3
provided for transferring at least 100 W, in particular at least 500 W, advantageously at least 1000 W, preferably at least 2000 W, of electrical heating power into an electromagnetic radiation field, preferably with a frequency of between 10 kHz and 150 kHz
Implementation Method 4
which is intended to be converted into heat in at least one cooking utensil, in particular at least its base, by magnetic reversal and eddy current effects
Implementation Method 5
which is intended to be converted into heat in at least one cooking utensil, in particular at least its base, by magnetic reversal and eddy current effects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for a cooktop (10a; 10b; 10c), in particular for the manufacture and/or operation of the cooktop (10a; 10b; 10c), which has at least one variable cooking surface (12a; 12b; 12c) which in at least one operating state is divided along at least one subdivision direction (18a; 18b; 18c) into several heating zones (16a; 16b; 16c; 34c), to which at least one heating parameter is assigned, depending on location, for heating a cooking vessel (24a; 24b; 24c, 32c) placed on the heating zone (16a; 16b; 16c, 34c). In order to achieve flexible manufacturing and/or flexible operation of the cooktop (10a; 10b; 10c), it is proposed that, when dividing the cooking surface (12a; 12b; 12c) into the heating zones (16a; 16b; 16c, 34c), at least one cookware characteristic is taken into account in at least one edge area of the cooking surface (12; 12b; 12c).