Induction Cooker Load Detection and Power Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction-heating cookers with non-contact power feeding functions face challenges in efficiently supplying appropriate power to heating targets and power receiving devices, leading to complex user settings, inability to adapt to power ON/OFF operations, and potential excessive power supply issues.
Innovation Solution
An induction-heating cooker with a control method that includes an electromagnetic coil, a drive unit for high-frequency current supply, and a detection unit to determine load characteristics, allowing for efficient power supply by switching between induction heating and non-contact power feeding modes based on load type, using a control unit to set appropriate output power ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the induction-heating cooker supplies high-power output for induction heating, then heating performance is improved, but power receiving devices may receive excessive power causing safety issues and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary load detection before power supply to identify whether a heating target or power receiving device is present. Based on this detection, the control unit preliminarily determines the appropriate power supply mode and adjusts output power accordingly, preventing excessive power delivery before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes power supply parameters including output power level, frequency, and waveform characteristics based on load detection results. For power receiving devices, parameters are adjusted to provide appropriate low power, while for heating targets, high power is supplied for effective heating
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cooker provides fixed power supply modes, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different load types (heating targets vs. power receiving devices) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The induction-heating cooker is designed with multi-functionality to serve both induction heating of cookware and wireless power transfer to power receiving devices. The electromagnetic coil and control unit can operate in different modes depending on the detected load type, making the device universal rather than specialized for a single function
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the load type and self-adjusts its operating parameters without requiring manual user input. The load detection unit and control unit work together to automatically determine whether to enter induction heating mode or wireless power transfer mode, enabling the device to serve itself based on the placed object
3Measurement precision
If manual power adjustment is required for different devices, then power supply precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the load type and adjusting power supply parameters without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit monitors load characteristics and autonomously optimizes power delivery, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings while maintaining precise power control
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 efficient and appropriate power supply to both heating targets and power receiving devices, simplifying user operations and preventing excessive power consumption by automatically adjusting output power based on load type.
Implementation Method 1
An induction-heating cooker is a device that supplies high-frequency current at 20 kHz to 100 kHz to a coil and interlinks a magnetic flux generated by the coil with a metallic heating target such as a pot or a frying pan, thereby inductively heating the heating target. The principle of induction heating is based on electromagnetic induction.
Implementation Method 2
power can be supplied to a power receiving device by electromagnetic induction... supplying (feeding) power to a power receiving device which is a load wirelessly, not via a power supply cord or the like, using a magnetic flux, i.e., a magnetic field, is called non-contact power feeding of magnetic field coupling type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3
AI summary
The induction-heating cooker (1) includes a drive unit (40) which supplies high-frequency current to an electromagnetic coil (100) for generating a magnetic field, and a detection unit (60) which detects load characteristics of a load placed on the electromagnetic coil (100) on the basis of electric characteristics regarding the drive unit (40). If the load is determined to be a heating target on the basis of a result of detection by the detection unit (60), the maximum output power value of the output range of the drive unit (40) is set in a first range and the electromagnetic coil (100) is operated as an induction heating coil. If the load is determined to be a power receiving subject, the maximum output power value of the output range of the drive unit (40) is set in a second range and the electromagnetic coil (100) is controlled as a power feed coil so as to supply power to the power receiving subject by electromagnetic induction. Thus, an appropriate amount of power can be efficiently supplied in accordance with the target load both when a heating target is inductively heated and when power is supplied to a power receiving subject.