Hob Relay Driving Signal Control for Contact Bounce Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home appliance devices, such as induction hobs, face challenges in optimizing switching behavior, leading to inefficiencies, fatigue, and reduced durability due to steady driving signals and issues like contact bounces and aging effects.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that modifies and optimizes driving signals for switches in home appliance devices based on measured switching performance, using algorithms like cuckoo search or particle swarm optimization, to improve switching behavior and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steady driving signal is used to actuate the relay, then the control system is simple, but the switching behavior is not optimized leading to contact bounces and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static steady driving signal to a dynamic optimized driving signal that adapts during the switching process. The control unit modifies the driving signal in real-time based on measured switching performance, allowing the signal characteristics to change dynamically to optimize relay switching behavior and eliminate contact bounces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring switching performance (such as contact bounce duration) and using this measurement to optimize subsequent driving signals. The control unit continuously monitors the switching process and adjusts the driving signal parameters based on the measured performance, creating a closed-loop control system that improves reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If driving signal is modified during operation to optimize switching, then switching behavior and durability improve, but control complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the control unit to automatically optimize driving signals based on measured switching performance without requiring external intervention. The system monitors its own switching behavior and autonomously adjusts the driving signal parameters to extend appliance lifespan, making the optimization process self-contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying driving signal characteristics (such as pulse width, amplitude, or timing) based on measured switching performance. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically to optimize relay switching, thereby extending the appliance lifespan while managing control complexity through targeted parameter optimization.
3Productivity
If optimization algorithms are used to modify driving signals, then switching efficiency and power efficiency improve, but computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing optimization only when beneficial - specifically when switching performance can be improved. The control unit measures switching performance and applies optimization algorithms selectively rather than continuously, reducing unnecessary computational load while maintaining switching efficiency improvements where they are most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by optimizing driving signals at specific intervals or triggered by certain conditions rather than continuously. The control unit periodically measures switching performance and applies optimization at these discrete moments, balancing computational requirements with the need to maintain high switching efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a home appliance device, in particular a hob device, comprising a control unit (10), which is provided to actuate at least one switch (12) and to supply at least one driving signal (14) for completely transferring the switch (12) in at least one first switching process from at least one first switch position to at least one second switch position. In order to improve a switching behaviour, it is proposed that the control unit (10) is provided to modify in at least one operational state the driving signal (14) for completely transferring the switch (12) from the first switch position to the second switch position.