Cooktop Inverter Phase Assignment via Switching Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop appliances lack flexibility in power distribution and modularity, leading to inefficient use of heating power and increased component costs, with limited functionality and user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop apparatus with multiple inverters and phase terminals connected via a switching arrangement, allowing each inverter to be assigned to any phase terminal, enabling flexible power distribution, increased modularity, and efficient operation of multiple heating zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inverters are permanently assigned to one phase terminal, then the device structure is simple, but the power distribution flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of inverters to phase terminals through a switching arrangement that can reconfigure connections based on operating conditions. The switching arrangement allows inverters to be dynamically assigned to different phase terminals (L1, L2, L3) depending on the operational state, enabling flexible power distribution while maintaining system simplicity through standardized switching components.
2Power
If more inverters are added to increase power capacity, then the heating power increases, but the component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes inverters universal by enabling each inverter to serve multiple phase terminals through the switching arrangement. Instead of having dedicated inverters for specific phases, any inverter can be assigned to any phase terminal based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher heating power capacity without proportionally increasing the number of inverters, as existing inverters can be reassigned to meet increased power demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inverters are fixed to specific phases, then the control is simple, but the functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically manages inverter-to-phase assignments based on operational states. The control unit receives signals about the operational state and automatically reconfigures the switching arrangement to assign inverters to appropriate phase terminals. This dynamic control enables diverse operational functionalities (single-phase operation, three-phase operation, bridge heating zones) without requiring complex manual configuration or hardwired connections.
4Power
If a bridge heating zone is implemented, then the power density increases, but the component stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
For bridge heating zones requiring high power density, the system dynamically assigns multiple inverters to operate together on the same phase terminal through the switching arrangement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows temporary concentration of power capacity in specific heating zones when needed, while distributing the thermal and electrical stress across multiple inverters rather than overloading a single inverter, thus maintaining component reliability during high-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A household appliance apparatus includes a first inverter, a second inverter, a first phase terminal designed for electrical connection to a first phase of a power supply network, a second phase terminal designed for electrical connection to a second phase of the power supply network, and a switching arrangement configured to assign each of the first and second inverters to each of the first and second phase terminals.