Mechanical Switch Coil Control for Faster Hob Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliances, particularly those with mechanical switches, face challenges in achieving fast switching speeds and reliable operations while minimizing temperature dependency and self-heating, and reducing costs.
Innovation Solution
The control unit divides the switching process into two time ranges and operates the driver coil differently in each range, using a higher average coil voltage during the first partial time range for acceleration and a lower voltage during the second range for springing, with a voltage supply unit and pulse-width-modulated control signals to optimize switching efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a constant average coil voltage is applied to the driver coil during switching operation, then the switching operation is stable, but the switching speed is limited and self-heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant voltage approach to a dynamic voltage control strategy. The control unit varies the average coil voltage over time during the switching operation, using a first voltage level during a first time period and a second voltage level during a second time period. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both switching speed and reduces self-heating by matching voltage application to the actual switching phase requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the switching operation into distinct time periods with different voltage characteristics. The control unit applies different average coil voltages during different phases of the switching operation, creating a periodic voltage pattern that corresponds to the periodic nature of the switching cycle. This allows optimization for each phase while maintaining overall operational stability.
2Speed
If higher coil voltage is applied to accelerate the armature element, then switching speed improves, but energy consumption and self-heating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing excessive voltage (first average coil voltage) only during the critical acceleration phase when it is most needed, and then reducing to a lower maintenance voltage during the subsequent phase. This avoids continuous excessive energy consumption while still achieving the beneficial acceleration effect during the time when it matters most for switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the average coil voltage parameter over time during the switching operation. The control unit changes the voltage from a first level to a second level based on the switching phase, optimizing the balance between switching speed and energy consumption. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve fast switching without the continuous energy penalty of maintaining high voltage throughout the entire operation.
3Productivity
If the switching process is optimized for speed, then productivity improves, but reliability may be compromised due to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the switching operation into distinct time periods with different control characteristics. The control unit segments the switching process into a first time period with a first average coil voltage and a second time period with a second average coil voltage. This segmentation allows optimization for speed during the acceleration phase while maintaining reliability during the subsequent phase, achieving both high productivity and reliability simultaneously.
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 switching speed, reduces temperature dependency, increases efficiency, minimizes self-heating, and lowers costs by optimizing the switching process through varying coil voltages and control signals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one driver coil which is provided at least to trigger at least one switching process of the at least one armature element
Implementation Method 2
heating, in particular cookware, in particular by eddy current and/or magnetic reversal effects
Implementation Method 3
heating, in particular cookware, in particular by eddy current and/or magnetic reversal effects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The starting point for the invention is a cooking appliance, particularly a hob appliance, having at least one mechanical switch (10, 12) that has at least one armature element (70) and at least one driver coil (72) that is provided at least for the purpose of initiating at least one switching process in the at least one armature element (70), having at least one driver circuit (14) that is provided for the purpose of providing at least one average coil voltage for the at least one driver coil (72), and having a control unit (28) that is provided for the purpose of providing at least one control signal (S1, S2) for controlling the at least one driver circuit (14). In order to improve a switching speed and/or a switching reliability, it is proposed that the control unit (28) be provided for the purpose of dividing the at least one switching process into at least one first time subrange (ta) and at least one second time subrange (tb) and operating the at least one driver coil (72) differently in the at least two time subranges (ta, tb) using the at least one driver circuit (14).