Cooktop Inductor Switching for Boost Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliance devices with inductors connected to alternating current sources face limitations in power output flexibility and efficiency, often requiring multiple components and resulting in higher costs and power losses.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance device with at least two inductors and a switching unit that connects capacitances and inverters in various configurations to achieve a boost mode with increased power output while minimizing component count and maintaining low power loss in normal mode, allowing for adaptable power delivery and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple capacitors are used to increase power output, then power output is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitances of multiple inductors by connecting them in parallel through a switching unit. This merging approach allows the system to utilize the total capacitance available across all inductors, achieving higher power output without adding individual capacitors to each inductor. The switching unit enables dynamic reconfiguration to merge capacitances when boost mode is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit serves multiple functions: it connects capacitances in parallel to increase total capacitance, it connects inverters in parallel to increase power supply capacity, and it enables the system to operate in both normal mode and boost mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated capacitors for each inductor, reducing overall component count while maintaining power output flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent inverters are used for each inductor, then power output flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit enables inverters to serve multiple inductors through dynamic reconfiguration. In normal mode, each inverter is assigned to its corresponding inductor. In boost mode, the switching unit connects inverters in parallel and can assign them to different inductors, allowing one inverter to serve multiple inductors. This multi-functional approach provides power output flexibility without requiring a dedicated inverter for each inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the connections between inverters and inductors based on operating mode. The switching unit allows inverters to be reassigned from their primary inductor to alternative inductors when boost mode is activated, enabling flexible power distribution. This dynamic reassignment provides adaptability while reducing the total number of inverters needed.
3Power
If capacitances are connected in parallel to increase power output, then power output is improved, but resonance frequency changes causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the operating mode and dynamically adjusts the resonant circuit parameters by switching capacitance connections. When boost mode is detected, the control unit activates the switching unit to connect capacitances in parallel and simultaneously adjusts the inverter frequency to match the new resonance frequency, minimizing power loss. This feedback mechanism ensures the system operates efficiently across different power output levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the resonant circuit by dynamically reconfiguring capacitance connections. When transitioning to boost mode, the control unit changes the total capacitance by connecting capacitor banks in parallel, which shifts the resonance frequency. The inverter frequency is simultaneously adjusted to match this new resonance frequency, maintaining efficient operation despite parameter 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
The solution enables a cost-effective cooking device with high power output by optimizing inductor configurations, reducing power loss, and providing flexibility through adjustable resonance frequencies and parallel connections of inverters and capacitors, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor is preferably intended to heat an object, such as a cooking pot or a pan, by means of induction
Implementation Method 2
an inductor which forms a resonant circuit and can be represented in a circuit diagram by means of the capacitance, an inductance and an equivalent resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooking appliance, in particular a cooktop cooking appliance, comprising at least two inductors (10, 12) provided for connection to at least one AC power supply, each inductor comprising at least one capacitor (14, 16). In order to provide a cooking appliance having an improved property with respect to a power output, the cooking appliance comprises at least one switching unit (18), which is provided to connect the capacitors (14, 16) of the inductors (10, 12) in at least one operating mode.