Induction Cooker Time-Sharing Control Circuit Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cookers with multiple units face complex control circuits and increased energy consumption due to the need for multiple switch elements, which complicates their operation and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a time-sharing control function that classifies cooker units into working and non-working subgroups, using complementary control signals to alternate the operation of switch units, thereby simplifying control circuits and reducing energy consumption by controlling duty cycle ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple induction cookers are operated simultaneously, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the number of switch elements and control circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking capacityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control circuits of multiple induction cookers into a single shared control circuit. The control circuit receives cooking power requirements from multiple cookers and generates switching control signals that are distributed to multiple inverters, allowing one control circuit to manage multiple cooking units simultaneously, thus reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple cooker units. It can dynamically allocate power to different cookers based on their individual requirements, making the same control circuit serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for dedicated control circuits for each cooker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple induction cookers are operated simultaneously, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the amount of switch elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking capacityVSAvoidnumber of switch elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switching functions into a shared inverter system. Instead of each cooker having its own dedicated switch elements, the system uses a common set of switch elements in the inverter that can be dynamically allocated to different cookers through time-sharing control, thereby reducing the total number of switch elements required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements time-sharing control where the switching elements operate in periodic cycles, alternately serving different cooker units. The control circuit generates switching signals that周期性地 allocate power to different cookers based on their instantaneous power requirements, allowing a smaller number of switch elements to serve multiple cookers efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If multiple induction cookers are operated simultaneously, then the cooking capacity is improved, but the energy consumption of switch elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption of switch elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic time-sharing control where switch elements are activated only when and where needed. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the switching timing and duration based on real-time power requirements of different cookers, ensuring that switch elements remain inactive during periods when their associated cookers do not require power, thus minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic control to adapt the operation of switch elements to the instantaneous needs of different cookers. The control circuit continuously monitors power requirements and dynamically adjusts the switching patterns, enabling the same switch elements to serve different cookers at different times, thereby reducing overall energy consumption compared to static dedicated switching arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach simplifies control circuits, reduces the number of switch elements, and decreases energy consumption by optimizing the operation of induction cookers through efficient duty cycle management.

Implementation Method 1

An alternating electric current flows through the coil, which produces an oscillating magnetic field. This field induces an electric current in the pot. Current flowing in the metal pot produces resistive heating which heats the food.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Current flowing in the metal pot produces resistive heating which heats the food.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2566296B1Induction cooker with time-sharing control function and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • EP2566296B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2566296B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2566296B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An induction cooker with a time-sharing control function and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The induction cooker includes a plurality of switch units (S21~S26), a control unit (Uc2), and a plurality of cooker units (L21~L24). The control unit (Uc2) is electrically connected to the switch units (S21~S26) to control turning on or turning off the switch units (S21~S26). Each of the cooker units (L21~L24) is electrically connected to two corresponding switch units (S21~S26). The control unit (Uc2) provides switching on the switch units (S21~S26) correspondingly connected to one or more cooker units (L21~L24) of a first subgroup in a working condition and keeping high-level on the switch units (S21~S26) correspondingly connected to one or more cooker units (L21~L24) of a second subgroup of cooker units (L21~L24) in a non-working condition. Therefore, the induction cooker can be alternately operated in time-sharing control manner.