Multi-Inverter Induction Cooker Frequency Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In induction heat cooking apparatuses with multiple heating coils, inconsistencies in operating frequencies and phases can lead to noise generation and output deviations, and existing systems lack a reliable fail-safe mechanism for inverter errors.

Innovation Solution

A single controller synchronizes the operating frequencies and phases of multiple heating coils by controlling switching circuits within multiple inverters, with a fail-safe mechanism allowing a normally operating inverter to manage abnormal ones, ensuring continued operation and reduced repair costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple inverters are used to operate multiple heating coils simultaneously, then the heating capacity and productivity are improved, but noise generation and output deviation occur due to inconsistency in operating frequencies and phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoidnoise generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple inverters into a single controller that centrally manages all heating coils. This consolidation ensures synchronized operation of all inverters under unified frequency and phase control, eliminating the noise generation caused by independent controller inconsistencies while maintaining the productivity benefits of multiple heating zones operating simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple independent inverters are used to operate multiple heating coils, then the heating capacity is improved, but output deviation occurs due to phase inconsistency between inverters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoidoutput consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functions of multiple inverters into a single centralized controller that manages all heating coils. This unified control approach ensures that all inverters operate with consistent frequency and phase synchronization, eliminating output deviation while maintaining the enhanced heating capacity provided by multiple simultaneously operating heating zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a single controller manages multiple inverters, then frequency and phase synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency synchronizationVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated controller that manages all inverters centrally. This consolidation achieves frequency and phase synchronization across all heating coils while actually reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent controllers and their associated synchronization mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 eliminates noise and output deviations caused by frequency and phase inconsistencies, enhances operational stability, and reduces repair costs by enabling the apparatus to function normally even when an inverter controller fails.

Implementation Method 1

an induction heat cooking apparatus that performs a cooking function by applying a high frequency current to a working coil or a heating coil to allow an eddy current to flow to heat a cooking container while a line of strong magnetic force generated by the high frequency current passes through the cooking container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cooking container which is made of a magnetic substance generates heat due to induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current heating: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP3570636B1Induction heating cooker
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3570636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3570636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3570636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an induction heating cooker including a synchronization circuit for a plurality of inverters, comprising: a first inverter including a first switching circuit unit for applying a first power source to a first heating coil, and a first control unit for controlling the first switching circuit unit; and a second inverter including a second switching circuit unit for applying a second power source to a second heating coil, and a second control unit for controlling the second switching circuit unit, wherein the first inverter further includes a first insulated signal transfer unit for controlling an operation of the second switching circuit unit, and the first control unit may match an operating frequency of the second switching circuit unit with an operating frequency of the first switching circuit unit by using the first insulated signal transfer unit.