Induction Cooktop Power Modulation for Multi-Appliance Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating cooktops with wireless power transmission face issues such as disrupted communication signals due to magnetic fields, high costs of communication means like RFID and Wi-Fi, and the inability to operate multiple appliances simultaneously without signal interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system where the wireless kitchen appliance uses a receiver coil and encoding/decoding units to modulate power changes, eliminating the need for RFID and Wi-Fi by converting identification and operating parameters into power changes that are decoded by the induction heating cooktop to control appliance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID or Wi-Fi communication means are used for data transfer between the cooktop and wireless appliance, then communication capability is provided, but the magnetic field from induction coils disrupts signal transmittance and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the power transmission magnetic field itself as an intermediary carrier for data communication. Instead of using separate RF communication antennas that are disrupted by the magnetic field, the system modulates data onto the power transmission signals, allowing the same electromagnetic field to serve dual purposes: power transfer and data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both power transmission and data communication functions simultaneously. The encoding unit in the appliance modulates identification and operating parameter data onto the power draw patterns, which are then detected by the cooktop, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless appliances are operated on a multiple zone cooktop, then cooking versatility is improved, but communication signals get mixed up making simultaneous operation impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process by assigning unique identification codes to each appliance and each cooking zone. The encoding unit in each appliance modulates data with its specific identification, allowing the cooktop to distinguish and separately control multiple appliances simultaneously on different zones without signal mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in power consumption patterns to encode data. Each appliance varies its power draw in specific patterns that represent binary data, allowing multiple appliances to communicate simultaneously without interference through frequency or temporal division multiplexing of their power modulation signals.
3Loss of information
If RF transmitting and receiving antennas are disposed on the appliance and cooktop, then data transfer is enabled, but there is not enough area for concealing the antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from separate physical antennas and integrates it into the power transmission system itself. By removing the need for dedicated RF transmitting and receiving antennas, the cooktop surface area is freed up while maintaining full communication capability through the existing power transmission electromagnetic field.
4Loss of information
If communication means like RFID and Wi-Fi are used, then data transfer is provided, but the cost is quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication function with the existing power transmission system. By using the same induction coils and control electronics for both power delivery and data communication, the patent eliminates the need for separate expensive RF communication modules, RFID tags, and associated antennas, significantly reducing bill of materials costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the appliance's own power consumption patterns to carry communication data. The appliance encodes its identification and operating parameters by modulating its power draw, and the cooktop decodes these patterns, allowing both parties to communicate using their existing power transmission infrastructure without additional communication hardware.
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
This solution minimizes communication errors, reduces costs, and allows for the operation of multiple appliances on a single cooktop by using power changes to convey identification and operating parameters, enabling efficient control without the need for external communication antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heating cooktop (1) having one or more than one induction coil (3)... power transferred from the induction coil in the induction heating cooktop... receiver coil disposed in the wireless appliance
Implementation Method 2
The power (current and/or voltage) received from the induction coil by the receiver coil is modulated by increasing/decreasing by means of an encoding unit... resistors connected in parallel to the receiver coil and switching means that provide the current received by the receiver coil to be changed
Implementation Method 3
phase difference measuring unit that monitors the phase difference between the current or voltage of the induction coil and the zero crossings of inverter voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an induction heating cooktop (1) having one or more than one induction coil (3) and a control unit (8), and relates to a wireless kitchen appliance (2), suitable for being operated wirelessly on the induction heating cooktop (1), having a user interface (4) having a display and keypad that provides monitoring and controlling of the operating parameters like temperature, motor speed, a microcontroller (5) in the memory of which the identification information and operating parameters are recorded, and a receiver coil (6) that supplies the microcontroller (5) and the user interface (4) with low value voltage by the power that is partially received from the induction coil (3).