Hybrid Cooktop Heating Control for Fast Infrared-to-Induction Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic stoves with hybrid infrared and electromagnetic heating capabilities face issues where the electromagnetic heating mode is restricted due to high temperatures from the infrared heating, leading to prolonged waiting times and poor practicality when switching modes.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a cooking appliance that adjusts the temperature control parameters of the electromagnetic heating mode based on operating parameters of the infrared heating mode, such as temperature values and time durations, to ensure proper operation and reduce waiting times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the temperature sensor detects high temperature after infrared heating, then the electromagnetic heating mode is restricted to prevent overheating, but the user experience deteriorates due to prolonged waiting time and inability to continue cooking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control safetyVSAvoidelectromagnetic heating availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature threshold parameter specifically for electromagnetic heating mode following infrared heating. When the control system detects that infrared heating has just ended, it temporarily raises the temperature threshold from the standard value to a higher value (e.g., 600°C), allowing the electromagnetic heating mode to activate even when the sensor reads high temperatures. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining safety while eliminating the unnecessary waiting period that would otherwise prevent users from continuing to cook.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the system waits for natural cooling of the infrared stove pan and stove panel, then the temperature sensor reading returns to normal range, but the time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensor accuracyVSAvoidwaiting time for mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the control system detect and record the end time of infrared heating mode in advance. Based on this timing information, the system proactively adjusts the temperature threshold parameter before the user attempts to switch to electromagnetic heating mode. This anticipatory adjustment eliminates the need for users to wait for natural cooling, as the system has already prepared the appropriate parameters for seamless mode transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the electromagnetic heating assembly operates with standard temperature control parameters after infrared heating, then the cooking safety is maintained, but the heating efficiency and responsiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking safetyVSAvoidheating response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature control parameters adaptive and time-dependent rather than static. The control system dynamically adjusts the temperature threshold based on the operational history, specifically detecting whether infrared heating has recently ended. When infrared heating has just concluded, the system activates a temporary high threshold state that enables rapid electromagnetic heating response. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains cooking safety through continuous monitoring while dramatically improving heating responsiveness and efficiency during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 seamless switching between heating modes by adapting the electromagnetic heating parameters, ensuring efficient and timely operation without user inconvenience.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared heating assembly and an electromagnetic heating assembly corresponding to a same heating area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an infrared heating assembly and an electromagnetic heating assembly corresponding to a same heating area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4496429B1Method for controlling cooking appliance and cooking appliance
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA ELECTRICAL HEATING APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
  • EP4496429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4496429B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4496429B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for controlling a cooking appliance and a cooking appliance (100). The cooking appliance (100) includes an infrared heating assembly (31) and an electromagnetic heating assembly (32) corresponding to a same heating area. The method for controlling the cooking appliance includes: (S100), obtaining an operating parameter of the infrared heating assembly after an infrared heating mode ends and an electromagnetic heating mode is entered; (S200), obtaining a temperature control parameter corresponding to the electromagnetic heating mode according to the operating parameter; and (S300), controlling the electromagnetic heating assembly to operate according to the temperature control parameter. The present application aims to provide a hybrid heating cooking appliance (100) and a method for controlling the hybrid heating cooking appliance (100) to solve the problem that the electromagnetic heating mode of the existing electromagnetic stove cannot operate as required after infrared heating.