Induction Cooker Air Gap Adjustment via Dynamic Ferromagnetic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction cookers have a fixed non-magnetizable shielding plate that limits the adjustability of the air gap between the induction coil and the ferromagnetic cooking vessel, affecting the magnetic coupling and heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a supporting structure with a ferromagnetic and a non-ferromagnetic element that can move within the electromagnetic field to adjust the air gap and mutual inductance between the induction coil and the ferromagnetic object, allowing for customizable magnetic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed non-magnetizable shielding plate is used, then the magnetic field is shielded, but the air gap adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed shielding plate into a dynamic system where ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements can move independently within the electromagnetic field. This allows the air gap to be adjusted dynamically based on cooking requirements while maintaining magnetic field shielding through the non-ferromagnetic element.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding plate is segmented into multiple independent elements (ferromagnetic elements and non-ferromagnetic elements) that can move separately. This segmentation enables different regions to perform different functions: ferromagnetic elements adjust mutual inductance while non-ferromagnetic elements provide shielding, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and shielding.
2Device complexity
If the air gap is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic coupling cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements are equipped with motors that enable them to move automatically based on detected cooking requirements. This self-service mechanism optimizes magnetic coupling and cooking efficiency without requiring manual intervention, balancing structural simplicity with enhanced productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the position parameters of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements dynamically to optimize magnetic coupling. By adjusting the air gap distance and element positions, the system enhances cooking efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Productivity
If ferromagnetic elements move to increase mutual inductance, then heat distribution is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ferromagnetic elements serve multiple functions: they adjust mutual inductance by moving, provide magnetic coupling optimization, and can be controlled automatically through detection systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, managing device complexity while achieving heat distribution optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection mechanisms that monitor cooking conditions and provide feedback to control the movement of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic elements. This feedback loop automatically optimizes heat distribution based on real-time conditions, managing complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
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 enables adjustable magnetic coupling, optimizing heat distribution by increasing or decreasing the mutual inductance based on the ferromagnetic object's properties, preventing overheating or underheating, and enhancing cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil (110) arranged to receive a varying electric current and produce a corresponding varying electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The varying electromagnetic field induces a varying eddy current in a ferromagnetic cooking vessel or the like when the cooking vessel is placed in close proximity to the induction coil, which in turn heats the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 3
the ferromagnetic object being placed in the corresponding varying electromagnetic field to be magnetically coupled to the induction coil, thereby determining a mutual inductance between the induction coil and the ferromagnetic object
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an induction cooker (100) comprising an induction coil (110), a supporting structure (120), a ferromagnetic element (141) and a non-ferromagnetic element (142). The induction coil (110) is arranged to receive a varying electric current and produce a corresponding varying electromagnetic field. The supporting structure (120) is arranged to support a ferromagnetic object (130) above the induction coil (110), the ferromagnetic object (130) being placed in the corresponding varying electromagnetic field to be magnetically coupled to the induction coil (110), thereby determining a mutual inductance between the induction coil (110) and the ferromagnetic object (130). The ferromagnetic element (141) and the non-ferromagnetic element (142) are arranged to be located between the supporting structure (120) and the induction coil (110) and selectively move in the corresponding varying electromagnetic field based on a mutual inductance between the induction coil (110) and the ferromagnetic object (130).