Induction device and temperature adjustment method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cookers lack intuitive temperature adjustment methods, making them less user-friendly for those accustomed to dial-type gas burners, and the existing input methods are insufficient and unfamiliar to users.
Innovation Solution
An induction device with a knob that can be attached or detached, featuring a touch sensor unit and control unit that adjust the heater temperature based on the knob's rotation and touch position, allowing for intuitive temperature control similar to gas burners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dial-type handle (knob) is used for temperature adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the knob structure with the touch sensor unit into an integrated control system. The knob includes a protruding part that directly interacts with the touch sensor, merging mechanical rotation input with electronic sensing into a unified temperature adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding part of the knob serves as an intermediary between the user's rotational input and the touch sensor unit. It transfers the rotational motion and position information to the sensor, enabling indirect touch detection that mimics dial-type burner control.
2Device complexity
If a covered analogue button or touch system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for users accustomed to dial-type handles
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: the knob structure for mechanical input, the protruding part for interaction, the touch sensor unit for detection, and the control unit for processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dial-type handling with a touch-based sensing system that detects the position and rotation of a protruding part. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while preserving the intuitive rotational control experience users expect from dial-type burners.
3Ease of repair
If the knob is made detachable, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to attachment/detachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is designed with dynamic attachment characteristics, allowing it to be easily attached and detached when needed. The magnetic attachment mechanism provides a balance between secure operation during use and easy removal for maintenance, enabling the system to transition between fixed and movable states as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment strength of the knob is controlled by magnetic force parameters that can be adjusted through material selection and positioning. This allows optimization of the balance between secure attachment during operation and easy detachment for repair, changing the physical parameters of the connection to suit different operational requirements.
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
The solution provides a user-friendly temperature adjustment mechanism that mimics the familiarity of gas burners while enhancing control precision, allowing for diverse manipulation methods and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a touch sensor unit configured to be formed around the knob region and in response to the knob being attached to the knob region, touched by a protruding part provided at a lower side of the knob
Implementation Method 2
The knob may include a second magnetic substance having opposite polarity with respect to the first magnetic substance and is attached to the knob region by gravitation between the first magnetic substance and the second magnetic substance
Data Source
AI summary
An induction device is disclosed. The induction device comprises: a main body having a heater; a knob attachable/detachable to/from a knob region provided on one surface of the main body; a touch sensor unit formed around the knob region and, if the knob is attached thereto, touching a protruding part provided at a lower side of the knob; and a control unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater by determining the rotation degree of the knob according to a touch position touched by the protruding part if the knob rotates in a state in which the knob is attached to the knob region.