Induction heating cooking device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooking apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring container eccentricity and distinguishing between conductive and non-conductive containers, leading to reduced heating efficiency and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

The induction cooking apparatus incorporates a plurality of sensing coils arranged along the circumference of the heating region to detect container position and conductivity, with a controller determining whether to drive the inverter based on acquired sensing values, allowing for accurate eccentricity measurement and separate detection of conductive and non-conductive containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single detecting unit is used to determine container presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of container eccentricity and conductivity detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidcontainer eccentricity detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into multiple sensing coils arranged around the heating region, with each coil independently detecting container presence and position. This segmentation enables precise eccentricity measurement by comparing signals from different coil positions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the small container detecting unit interrupts inverter driving when reference signal is smaller than input signal, then the reliability of container detection is improved, but the productivity of cooking process deteriorates due to unnecessary interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer detection accuracyVSAvoidcooking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different detection thresholds and evaluation criteria for different sensing coil positions and signal characteristics. By analyzing the local signal quality and container position-specific responses, the system distinguishes between genuine absence conditions and acceptable cooking scenarios, preventing unnecessary interruptions while maintaining reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the inverter is interrupted when container eccentricity exceeds set value, then the reliability of safe operation is improved, but the loss of time in cooking process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe operation guaranteeVSAvoidcooking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of eccentricity thresholds and real-time monitoring of container position during cooking. The system adapts the set values based on cooking stage, container type, and detected position, allowing operation to continue in acceptable eccentricity conditions while ensuring safety intervention when necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If multiple sensing coils are arranged along the circumference of heating region, then the measurement precision of container position is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer position detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple sensing coils into a unified control algorithm that processes signals from all coils simultaneously. By merging the detection and evaluation functions in the controller, the system achieves high-position precision through multi-coil data fusion while avoiding the complexity of separate processing units for each coil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 heating efficiency by accurately determining container eccentricity and conductivity, improving user convenience through proper positioning guidance and reducing unnecessary interruptions in cooking.

Implementation Method 1

a high frequency current flows through a working coil or a heating coil and an eddy current flows when a strong magnetic line of force generated due to the high frequency current passes through a container (i.e., a cooking container) to heat the container itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

an eddy current flows when a strong magnetic line of force generated due to the high frequency current passes through a container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a high frequency current flows through a working coil or a heating coil and an eddy current flows when a strong magnetic line of force generated due to the high frequency current passes through a container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3582588B1Induction heating cooking device
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3582588B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3582588B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3582588B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is an induction cooking apparatus including a heating part including a working coil forming a heating region and configured to heat a container placed in the heating region, an inverter configured to supply a driving voltage to the working coil, a plurality of sensing coils arranged along a circumferential portion of the working coil and sensing the container placed in the heating region, and a controller configured to determine whether to drive the inverter on the basis of information acquired from the plurality of sensing coils.