Segmented Heating Element Power Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances with multiple heating elements struggle to maintain a consistent high thermal output due to temperature monitors interrupting the heating process prematurely, caused by uneven heat distribution and thermal coupling issues with cookware, leading to increased power consumption without significant shortening of cooking times.
Innovation Solution
A method where the second heating element provides a lower average thermal surface power density than the first, allowing independent electrical energy supply to both elements, with a temperature limiter unit controlling the heating elements to reduce thermal stress and maintain higher overall thermal output, thereby reducing cooking time without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating element increases power consumption to shorten cooking time, then thermal output increases, but the temperature monitor triggers prematurely and interrupts heating
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into two spatially separated heating zones (central and peripheral), each independently controllable. This segmentation allows differential power distribution - higher power to the central zone for rapid heating and lower power to the peripheral zone to prevent temperature monitor triggering, thus resolving the contradiction between cooking speed and process continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the heating element are assigned different power densities - the central heating zone operates at higher power consumption while the peripheral heating zone operates at lower power consumption. This local quality differentiation enables the system to achieve high overall thermal output without triggering the temperature monitor, simultaneously improving cooking time and maintaining heating continuity.
2Power
If a single heating element operates at high power, then thermal output increases, but uneven heat distribution causes temperature monitor to trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into central and peripheral heating zones with independent power control. This allows the central zone to provide intense localized heating while the peripheral zone provides gentler heating, achieving both high overall thermal output and more uniform temperature distribution across the heating surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power densities are applied to different spatial locations - high power density in the central zone and low power density in the peripheral zone. This local quality variation enables the system to maintain high total power output while preventing localized overheating that would trigger the temperature monitor.
3Productivity
If the heating element uses a complex multi-coil design to improve heating performance, then heating efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element uses a simple planar resistive heating structure divided into central and peripheral zones, avoiding complex multi-coil designs. This segmentation is achieved through straightforward electrical zone separation rather than mechanically complex coil arrangements, maintaining heating efficiency while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple planar heating element achieves differential heating through local quality control via electrical zone separation rather than through complex physical structures. This allows efficient heating performance with minimal device complexity by controlling power distribution rather than physical configuration.
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 approach enhances power transmission to cookware, reducing cooking time while maintaining a uniform temperature distribution and avoiding premature switching, thus achieving a boost in thermal output with existing radiator designs.
Implementation Method 1
heating element having at least two heating elements arranged adjacent to one another
Implementation Method 2
designed in the form of semicircular heating areas with heating coils arranged concentrically to one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element (8, 9, 10, 11) for a cooking appliance (1), the heating element (12, 13) having at least two heating elements (12, 13) arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the heating elements (12, 13) are arranged adjacent to each other such that a first heating element (12) is arranged at least partially radially around a second heating element (13), and wherein a temperature limiter unit (14) associated with the heating element (8, 9, 10, 11) switches off the heating elements (12, 13) when a predetermined maximum first temperature (Tmax) is reached and switches them on when a predetermined minimum second temperature (Tmin) is undershot. According to the invention, the heating elements (12, 13) are operated such that the second heating element (13) provides a lower average thermal power density than the first heating element (12).