Induction Cooking Hob Coil Identification for Small Pot Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction cooking hobs struggle to allow exact arrangement of small cooking pots due to limitations in pot detection systems, which fail to recognize pots with bottom areas equal to or smaller than the induction coils, leading to inefficient power transfer.
Innovation Solution
The use of an identification symbol comprising a cross with one element extending beyond the induction coil's diameter and another marking its diameter, allowing users to precisely place pots concentrically for maximum power transfer, even when the pot's bottom area is marginally larger or smaller than the coil's area, along with a pot detection system that activates coils based on partial or complete coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of small induction coils are arranged as a matrix below the glass ceramic panel, then the pot detection system can identify coils covered by a pot, but if the bottom area of the pot is equal to or smaller than the areas of the induction coils, then the pot may only cover small parts of neighboured induction coils, causing the pot detection system to fail to recognize the pot or activate too many coils
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking surface is divided into multiple discrete induction coils arranged in a matrix pattern, with each coil being smaller than traditional single-coil designs. This segmentation allows the system to better match the size and shape of various pot bottoms, improving detection accuracy for small pots while maintaining versatility across different cookware sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates induction coils based on partial coverage detection - when a pot covers a portion of one or more coils, the system activates those partially covered coils along with fully covered ones. This approach ensures that even small pots that only partially cover coils are properly detected and heated, rather than requiring complete coverage.
2Loss of information
If the identification symbol is a small cross above the centre of the central induction coil or a ring arranged concentrically to the induction coil, then the cooking zone can be marked, but an exact arrangement of cooking pots is not possible, when the bottom area of the pot is bigger than the dimension of the identification symbol
Solution Approach 1:
The identification symbol transitions from a simple point marker (cross or ring) to an extended linear indicator that spans the full diameter of the induction coil. This dimensional expansion provides users with a visual reference for the complete coil boundary, enabling precise concentric placement of pots of various sizes while maintaining clear zone identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended identification symbol acts as an intermediary visual guide between the induction coil and the cooking pot. By displaying the coil's diameter extent, it mediates the placement process, allowing users to align pots concentrically with the coil center regardless of whether the pot is larger or smaller than the coil area.
3Loss of energy
If the bottom area of the pot is marginally bigger than the area of the corresponding induction coil, then maximum power transfer can be achieved with concentric placement, but the user cannot recognize the induction coil area if it is covered by a cooking pot
Solution Approach 1:
The extended identification symbol is displayed on the cooking surface before the pot is placed, providing advance visual information about the induction coil's diameter and position. This preliminary visualization allows users to pre-position pots for optimal concentric alignment, ensuring maximum power transfer efficiency before the cooking process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification symbol serves as an intermediary reference that remains visible through or around the pot, providing continuous visual guidance for proper positioning. This mediator allows users to maintain awareness of the coil boundaries and center point even when the coil itself is obscured by the cooking pot.
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 precise placement and efficient power transfer for small pots by enhancing user recognition of induction coils and improving pot detection accuracy, allowing for optimal use of cooking zones regardless of pot size.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of induction coils (16) is arranged as a matrix below a cooking surface (12)
Implementation Method 2
allows users to precisely place pots concentrically for maximum power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) with a plurality of induction coils (16). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises a cooking surface (12) and a control unit. The cooking surface (12) includes a cover plate. The induction coils (16) are arranged side-by-side according to a predetermined scheme and below the cover plate. At least one induction coil (16) is marked by an identification symbol (18). The identification symbol (18) includes a first element (20) and a second element (22), wherein the first element (20) extends beyond the diameter of the corresponding induction coil (16) and the second element (22) marks the diameter of said induction coil (16).