Dual-Coil Inductor for Magnetic Energy Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inductors for induction cooking hobs face challenges in efficiently managing diverse power requirements across different applications, with existing designs often compromising on efficiency due to mutual coil interference and limited power range capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dual-coil inductor system with a magnetic core surrounding the first coil, allowing independent operation of two coils at different frequencies (100 kHz to 220 kHz for low-power and 40 kHz to 250 kHz for high-power ranges), along with a third coil for extended high-power applications, ensuring non-simultaneous operation to prevent mutual influence and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coils are used to cover different power ranges, then the adaptability and versatility of the inductor is improved, but mutual interference between coils occurs when operated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating different coils at different time intervals based on power requirements. The control unit selectively activates either the first coil for low-power applications or the second coil for high-power applications, ensuring that coils are not operated simultaneously. This temporal separation eliminates mutual interference while maintaining the ability to cover a wide power range, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and operational efficiency.
2Productivity
If coils are operated simultaneously to provide continuous power coverage, then the productivity is improved, but mutual influence between coils reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power delivery function into separate coils optimized for specific power ranges. The first coil is dedicated to low-power applications while the second coil handles high-power applications. The control unit segments the operational timeline by activating only the appropriate coil for the current power requirement, preventing simultaneous operation. This segmentation ensures continuous productivity across all power levels while avoiding energy losses from mutual coil interference.
3Device complexity
If a single coil is used for all power ranges, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different power classes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional inductor system where two different coils share a common magnetic core and control unit. The first coil serves low-power applications and the second coil serves high-power applications, with the control unit universally managing both coils based on detected power requirements. This multi-functional design provides adaptability across diverse applications (from mobile device charging to kitchen appliances) while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture through shared components.
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
Enables flexible operation across various power classes with high efficiency by preventing mutual coil interference, allowing for low-power applications like wireless charging and high-power applications like kitchen appliances, while reducing stray fields and optimizing energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil arranged on the coil carrier for energy transfer in a first power range and a second coil arranged on the coil carrier for energy transfer in a second power range
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic core that surrounds a longitudinal center axis of the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
An inductor, in particular for magnetically coupled energy transfer, includes a coil carrier on which a first coil and a second coil are arranged. The second coil has an outer diameter D2 that is greater than an outer diameter D1 of the first coil. A magnetic core surrounds a longitudinal center axis of the first coil. The first coil is operated with a first operating frequency in a first power range, whereas the second coil is operated independently of the first coil with a second operating frequency in a second power range. As a result applications can be run in a simple and flexible manner in a low-power range and in a high-power range.