Multi-zone Induction Cooker with Selective Coil Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking devices face inefficiencies due to H-field leakage and power loss when cookware is not optimally sized or positioned, leading to non-uniform cooking and user dissatisfaction, especially with multi-zone systems where magnetic fields can cancel out.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone induction cooking system with parallel resonant inverter tanks and switches that determine the presence of cookware at each coil, allowing for selective activation of coils based on cookware size, reducing H-field leakage and power loss by disconnecting coils without cookware from the power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple induction coils are activated simultaneously in a multi-zone system, then the cooking capacity and versatility are improved, but H-field leakage and power loss occur when cookware is not present on all zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of each induction coil based on real-time detection of cookware presence. The controller continuously monitors each zone and activates or deactivates coils as needed, transitioning the system from a static all-or-nothing operation to a dynamic adaptive operation that matches actual cooking needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction cooking system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting the presence or absence of cookware on each zone through sensor feedback. This eliminates the need for manual intervention to adjust coil activation, as the system autonomously optimizes its operation based on detected conditions.
2Speed
If induction coils are continuously activated to maintain readiness, then the response time for cooking is improved, but energy waste increases when cookware is not present
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous activation, the system employs periodic sensing and selective activation. The controller periodically checks for cookware presence and activates coils only during detected cooking operations, creating an on-demand operation pattern that eliminates unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining readiness through rapid sensor-response-activation cycles.
3Productivity
If all induction coils operate at full power, then the cooking speed and productivity are improved, but magnetic field cancellation occurs affecting cooking uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational states to different spatial zones based on local conditions. Each induction coil is independently controlled according to the presence and requirements of cookware on that specific zone, allowing full power activation only where needed while leaving other zones in standby or off states, thereby eliminating magnetic field interference and ensuring uniform cooking where active coils are present.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual control of cooking parameters is provided, then the user flexibility and adaptability are improved, but optimal cooking cannot be achieved due to inability to detect cookware characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that detect cookware presence and characteristics on each zone, providing real-time information to the controller. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of cooking parameters and selective coil activation, combining manual user control with automated detection to achieve optimal cooking performance while maintaining user flexibility.
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 enhances power efficiency and user experience by ensuring only the necessary coils are activated, maintaining uniform cooking and reducing energy waste, while allowing for flexible cookware usage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current flows through the coil such that the coil emits a magnetic field. The magnetic field induces a magnetic flux which repeatedly magnetizes the cookware item. The magnetic flux produces eddy currents within the ferromagnetic material that comprises the cookware item. The eddy currents heat the cookware item and a food item contained therein.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic flux produces eddy currents within the ferromagnetic material that comprises the cookware item. The eddy currents heat the cookware item and a food item contained therein.
Implementation Method 3
A multi-zone induction cooking system with parallel resonant inverter tanks and switches that determine the presence of cookware at each coil
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating system with a plurality of resonant inverter tanks can be provided. The induction heating system can include a power source configured to supply power to the heating system and a plurality of parallel resonant inverter tanks in electrical connection with the power source. Each of the parallel resonant inverter tanks can include one or more parallel resonant capacitors, one or more parallel induction coils and one or more switches configured to disconnect each of the parallel resonant inverter tanks from the power source. The induction heating system can include a controller configured to perform operations, wherein the operations include determining when a cooking vessel is present at each induction coil and in response to determining that a cooking vessel is not present at a resonant inverter tank, operating the one or more switches such that the parallel resonant inverter tank is disconnected from the power source.