Grouped Induction Heating Coil Driver Circuit for Power Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cookers with multiple coils face inefficiencies due to the need for a large number of driving circuits, which can complicate manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, and result in uneven power distribution among coils.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a plurality of induction heating coils divided into groups, each driven by a separate driver circuit, allowing for controlled power output adjustment based on coil position relative to the cookware, using a controller to regulate power distribution and reduce reactive power and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple induction heating coils are used to heat cookware placed at any position, then heating coverage is improved, but the number of driving circuits increases leading to increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple induction heating coils are divided into two groups, with each group driven by a single driving circuit. The first driving circuit drives the first and second induction heating coils, while the second driving circuit drives the third and fourth induction heating coils. This merging approach reduces the total number of driving circuits from four to two, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive heating coverage across the cooking plate.
2Ease of manufacture
If equal power is supplied to all induction heating coils, then manufacturing is simplified, but power distribution becomes uneven leading to inefficient heating
Solution Approach 1:
The controller adjusts power output differently for each driving circuit based on the specific coils they control. The first driving circuit operates at a first power level while the second driving circuit operates at a second power level, allowing optimized power distribution tailored to the local requirements of each coil group. This ensures efficient heating performance while maintaining relatively simple power supply configuration.
3Measurement precision
If more driving circuits are used to control each induction heating coil independently, then heating control precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating coils are segmented into two distinct groups, with each group controlled by a dedicated driving circuit. This segmentation allows for simplified control architecture where each driving circuit manages a specific subset of coils, reducing the overall complexity compared to having independent control for each coil, while still maintaining sufficient heating control precision for different cooking positions.
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 enhances efficiency by optimizing power distribution, reducing stress on drivers, and improving the lifespan of the cooking apparatus, while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance by separating detection, driving, and power circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating coil that produces a magnetic field when a current is applied thereto. When a current is applied to the induction heating coil and a magnetic field is produced, a secondary current is induced in the cookware and Joule heat is produced by the electrical resistance of the cookware itself
Implementation Method 2
Joule heat is produced by the electrical resistance of the cookware itself. The cookware and the food contained in the cookware are heated by the Joule heat
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking plate, a plurality of induction heating coils installed under the cooking plate, a plurality of drivers configured to supply driving power to the plurality of induction heating coils, and a controller configured to control the plurality of drivers to drive a plurality of groups to which the plurality of induction heating coils belong, respectively. Power output by a first driver, among the plurality of drivers, which drives a first group among the plurality of groups may be increased and power output by a second driver, among the plurality of drivers, which drives a second group among the plurality of groups may be decreased.