Induction Cooktop Thin-Film Heating With Multi-Component Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops using induction heating methods struggle to efficiently heat both magnetic and nonmagnetic objects, often requiring additional heating elements or experiencing low heating efficiency, and can suffer from high material costs and component damage due to high temperature outputs.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating type cooktop with a thin film capable of direct induction heating, combined with temperature sensors and a microcontroller unit to control the output of the working coil based on temperature measurements of various components, ensuring efficient heating of both magnetic and nonmagnetic objects while preventing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heating plate is added to enable induction heating of nonmagnetic objects, then heating capability is improved, but heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating plate component from the system and replaces it with a thin film layer that enables direct induction heating of nonmagnetic objects. This eliminates the intermediate heating plate that caused energy loss, while still achieving the ability to heat both magnetic and nonmagnetic objects through the working coil's magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cooktop surface by introducing a thin film layer with specific electromagnetic properties. This thin film enables the working coil to directly induce eddy currents in nonmagnetic objects, transforming the heating mechanism from indirect (via heating plate) to direct induction, thereby improving heating efficiency while maintaining versatility.
2Productivity
If the thin film is heated to high temperature for effective heating of nonmagnetic objects, then heating efficiency is improved, but component safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using temperature sensors to monitor the thin film's temperature in real-time. The controller adjusts the working coil's output power based on the measured temperature, preventing the thin film from reaching damaging temperatures while maintaining efficient heating operation. This closed-loop control ensures both heating efficiency and component safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temperature sensors positioned to detect temperature changes before the thin film reaches dangerous temperature levels. By monitoring temperature in advance and triggering control actions beforehand, the system prevents thermal damage to the thin film and other components, cushioning against potential failures before they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin film layer is added to enable induction heating of nonmagnetic objects, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film layer as a flexible, thin intermediary that enables induction heating of nonmagnetic objects without adding significant structural complexity. The thin film's minimal thickness and simple integration into the cooktop surface allow it to perform the dual function of enabling nonmagnetic object heating while maintaining a sleek, simple overall device structure.
4Reliability
If temperature control based on multiple components is implemented, then component safety is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to manage multiple temperature sensors and adjust the working coil output based on temperature readings from different components. The controller processes temperature data from the thin film and other components, automatically adjusting power levels to prevent overheating. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control logic by using standardized temperature-based decision rules, making the system manageable despite multiple sensors.
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 allows for efficient heating of both magnetic and nonmagnetic objects with improved safety by dynamically controlling the output of the working coil, reducing the risk of component damage and enhancing user convenience by allowing any type of object to be placed on the cooktop.
Implementation Method 1
a working coil disposed inside the case and configured to heat the object
Implementation Method 2
an induction heating type cooktop includes a case, an upper plate coupled to a top of the case and configured to support an object, a working coil disposed inside the case and configured to heat the object
Implementation Method 3
a thin film arranged at least one of a top surface of the upper plate or a bottom surface of the upper plate
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating type cooktop includes a case, an upper plate coupled to a top of the case and configured to support an object, a working coil disposed inside the case and configured to heat the object, a thin film arranged at a top surface of the upper plate or a bottom surface of the upper plate, at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one of components of the induction heating type cooktop, the components including the thin film, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) configured to drive the working coil and to control an output of the working coil based on whether the temperature satisfies at least one condition that is preset for the at least one of the components.