Induction cooker

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-end induction cookers with multiple stoves cannot accurately determine which stove corresponds to a temperature sensor's signal, preventing individual temperature control and reducing cooking efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Each stove generates a unique periodically cyclic modulation signal sequence in its drive signal, allowing identification and differentiation, with pots equipped to receive and process these signals to transmit temperature data for precise stove control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is provided on each pot to detect temperature, then temperature detection capability is improved, but the controller cannot determine which stove the temperature signal corresponds to

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection capabilityVSAvoidstove identification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces modulation signal sequences as an intermediary carrier that links temperature sensors to specific stoves. Each stove's driver modulates its drive signal with a unique identification signal sequence, which is then detected by the receiving coil and processed by the signal processing circuit to generate corresponding identification signals. This intermediary mechanism enables the controller to accurately match temperature signals with their respective stoves without direct communication between sensors and controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple stoves are controlled simultaneously, then cooking efficiency is improved, but individual temperature control of each stove becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidindividual temperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system by assigning unique modulation signal sequences to each stove's driver. This segmentation allows the controller to independently identify and control each stove's temperature based on its corresponding identification signal, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple stoves with individual temperature regulation through separate control signals sent to each driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If modulation signal sequences are introduced for stove identification, then stove identification accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestove identification accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic modulation signal sequences with distinct patterns (different frequencies, phases, or duty cycles) for each stove. The signal processing circuit detects these periodic signals and generates corresponding identification signals by comparing the detected modulation patterns against known sequences. This periodic approach simplifies the processing complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy through rhythmic, easily distinguishable signal patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 accurate temperature adjustment of each pot, improving the cooking effect by distinguishing and controlling individual stoves based on their distinct modulation signal sequences.

Implementation Method 1

each of which comprises a transmitting coil and a driver for driving the transmitting coil to work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the transmitting coils of the plurality of stoves are adapted to heat the plurality of pots placed on the plurality of stoves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

each pot comprises a receiving coil adapted to electromagnetically couple with the transmitting coil of the stove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3709768B1Induction cooker
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3709768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709768B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An induction cooker, comprising: a plurality of stoves, each of which comprises a transmitting coil and a driver for driving the transmitting coil to work; and a controller adapted to control the driver of each stove to generate a drive signal, the drive signal generated by the driver of each stove comprises a periodically cyclic modulation signal sequence, the modulation signal sequences in the drive signals generated by the drivers of different stoves are different from each other, so that the stoves are identified and distinguished from each other according to the modulation signal sequences. Thereby, in the present invention, it is possible to reasonably adjust the temperatures of the pots, respectively, by controlling the respective stoves, which may improve the cooking effect of the induction cooker.