Induction Cooktop Virtual Heating Zones Adapt to Vessel Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop devices lack flexibility and user comfort in adjusting heating zones and power densities based on the size and position of cooking vessels, leading to inefficient heating and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop device with a control unit that defines virtual heating zones with adjustable heating power densities based on the size and position of cooking vessels, using adjacent heating elements to form zones that adapt to the vessel's dimensions and requirements, allowing for flexible and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed heating zones are used in conventional cooktops, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different cooking vessel sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cooktop surface is divided into multiple independently controllable heating elements arranged in rows and columns. The control unit can selectively activate specific heating elements to create heating zones that precisely match the size and position of placed cooking vessels, transforming a fixed heating structure into a flexible, segmented system that adapts to various vessel dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating zone configuration is made dynamic through the control unit, which automatically adjusts the number, size, and position of active heating elements based on the detected cooking vessel characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to transition between different heating zone configurations without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
2Productivity
If uniform heating power density is applied across all heating zones, then the control system is simple, but the heating efficiency for different vessel sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements local quality control by assigning different heating power densities to different heating zones based on the size and position of the cooking vessel. Larger zones receive higher power densities while smaller zones receive lower power densities, optimizing heating efficiency for each local area rather than applying uniform power distribution across the entire cooktop surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the power density parameter for each heating zone based on the detected cooking vessel characteristics. The control unit calculates appropriate power density values for each active heating element, adjusting these parameters in real-time to match the thermal requirements of different vessel sizes and positions, thereby improving overall heating efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of heating zones is required, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects the presence, size, and position of cooking vessels on the cooktop surface and independently determines the optimal heating zone configuration without user intervention. The system performs self-service by automatically activating the appropriate heating elements and setting their power densities, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the cooktop surface for cooking vessels and adjusts the heating zone configuration based on this feedback. This automatic feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing cooking conditions in real-time, improving ease of operation without requiring complex manual control interfaces.
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
Enhances user comfort by enabling precise heating control, reduces energy consumption, and allows for convenient cooking by adjusting heating power densities based on vessel position and size, providing a cost-effective and efficient heating solution.
Implementation Method 1
the induction heating element is designed to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to induce eddy currents and/or remagnetization effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking vessel, which are then converted into heat
Implementation Method 2
the induction heating element is designed to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to induce eddy currents and/or remagnetization effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking vessel
Implementation Method 3
the heating element is designed as an induction heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop device (10), particularly an induction cooktop device, having at least one heater arrangement (26), which has at least two heating elements (12), which are arranged next to each other and are provided at least to heat positioned cookware (14), and having at least one control unit (16). In order to provide a device of the type in question having improved properties in respect of a high degree of comfort for an operator, the control unit (16) determines, in at least one operating mode, a plurality of virtual heating zones (18) having different heat output density depending on a size of at least one positioned piece of cookware (14), wherein the virtual heating zones (18) are formed by heating elements (12) arranged adjacent to one another. which are suitable by the number and/or size thereof for using the cookware (14).