Induction coil device and induction cooking hob having an induction coil device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking hobs face issues with non-uniform gaps between induction coils and hob plates, and thermal variations affect the alignment of induction coil devices, requiring careful selection of support structure stiffness.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spring assembly and spacer elements within the induction coil device, which forces the support frame towards the hob plate, ensuring precise alignment and compensating for thermal deformations, along with the use of an aluminum shield plate for electromagnetic radiation shielding and a thermal insulation layer for improved heat insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screwing is used to fix the support frame to the support structure, then the induction coil device can be assembled, but the gap between induction coils and hob plate becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
A spring assembly is introduced as an intermediary element between the support frame and the support structure. This spring assembly acts as a mediator that absorbs positioning errors and thermal deformations, ensuring uniform gaps between the induction coils and the hob plate while maintaining ease of assembly through screwing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly allows for dynamic adjustment of the support frame position by changing the compression state of the spring. This parameter change capability enables the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansions, maintaining uniform gaps without requiring precise initial positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the support structure stiffness is carefully selected to mitigate gap differences, then gap uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly serves as a buffer between the support structure and the support frame, decoupling the relationship between support structure stiffness and gap uniformity. This intermediary allows a wide range of support structure stiffness values to achieve acceptable gap uniformity, reducing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly introduces dynamic compliance to the otherwise rigid support structure. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to thermal deformations and manufacturing variations automatically, eliminating the need for carefully controlled static stiffness values.
3Ease of operation
If thermal variations occur in the support structure, then the relative position of induction coil devices changes with respect to the hob plate, but using rigid fixing methods increases assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the support structure. As the support structure undergoes thermal variations, the spring compresses or extends accordingly, maintaining the relative position of the induction coil devices with respect to the hob plate while keeping the assembly simple and rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly introduces dynamic compliance that allows the support frame to move slightly in response to thermal variations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains stable relative positioning without requiring complex thermal compensation mechanisms or flexible fixing methods.
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 achieves uniform gaps between induction coils and the hob plate, maintains alignment despite thermal variations, and eliminates the need for carefully choosing support structure stiffness, while enhancing heat insulation and electromagnetic shielding.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly having one or more spring elements configured to interact with the support structure and the support frame and to force the support frame towards the hob plate
Implementation Method 2
any thermal deformations of the support structure are compensate by the spring assembly
Implementation Method 3
one or more induction coil devices being arranged between the hob plate and the support structure
Implementation Method 4
Induction cooking hobs are known for the cooking of food products by means of thermal conditioning of the food products
Implementation Method 5
each induction coil device may also comprise an aluminum shield plate. By providing for the aluminum shield plate it is possible to shield the electromagnetic radiation generated by the induction coils
Implementation Method 6
a thermal insulation layer, in particular being coupled to the respective support frame. By providing for the thermal insulation layer it is possible to improve heat insulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
There is described an induction coil device (4) for an induction cooking hob (1) having a hob plate (2) and a support structure (3). The induction coil device (4) is designed to be interposed between the hob plate (2) and the support structure (3) and comprises at least one induction coil (10), a support frame (11) carrying the induction coil (10), a spring assembly (12) having one or more spring elements (13) configured to interact with the support structure (3) and the support frame (11) and to force the support frame (11) towards the hob plate (2); and a plurality of spacer elements (14) mounted to and protruding from the support frame (11) and designed to abut against the hob plate (2).