Cooking apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooking apparatuses lack intuitive visual cues for heating states, making it difficult for users to recognize the heating status of the cooking container, especially from a distance, and do not provide immediate feedback.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with an induction heating coil and a flame image generating unit that uses light sources to create visual flame images on the cooking container, allowing for adjustable brightness, size, and color, along with a controller to manage these features based on user input and cooking progress, and includes a position detection unit to optimize flame image placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a digital display in the form of a level meter is disposed in the induction heating cooking apparatus, then the heating state of the cooking container can be displayed, but recognition characteristics are lowered such that the user cannot easily recognize the heating state from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of a flame image on the cooking container surface to represent the heating state. Instead of displaying abstract numerical data, the system projects a flame-like visual pattern that mimics the appearance of actual combustion, making the heating state immediately recognizable to users from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color variations in the projected flame image to indicate different heating states. By changing the color characteristics of the projected light pattern, the system provides intuitive visual feedback about the current heating level and status without requiring users to interpret numerical displays.
2Loss of information
If a digital display is used to show heating state, then information can be provided, but the user cannot easily recognize the heating state without minutely observing
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects a flame image that visually replicates the appearance of actual fire, creating an intuitive and easily detectable visual indicator. This flame-like projection is inherently more recognizable than digital numerals, eliminating the need for minute observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional digital display to three-dimensional spatial projection on the cooking container surface. By projecting the flame image onto the vertical surface of the container, the visual information becomes larger and more prominent in the user's field of view, improving detectability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If no visual flame is generated in induction heating, then the cooking apparatus is safe and clean, but it is difficult to intuitively recognize a heating state from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy or simulation of a flame image through light projection rather than actual combustion. This projected flame image provides the intuitive visual feedback associated with traditional fire-based cooking while maintaining the safety and cleanliness advantages of induction heating by using no real flame or combustion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light projection system as an intermediary between the induction heating coil and the user's perception. This intermediary device translates the invisible electromagnetic heating process into a visible flame-like image that users can easily interpret, bridging the gap between the hidden heating mechanism and user understanding.
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
Enhances user awareness of the cooking container's heating state through intuitive visual feedback, providing immediate and clear indications of heating status, and allows for remote recognition of the cooking process, improving user interaction and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil that generates a magnetic field when a current is applied. When the current is applied to the induction coil and thus the magnetic field is generated, a secondary current is induced into the cooking container
Implementation Method 2
Joule' heat is generated by a resistance component of the cooking container. Thus, the cooking container is heated
Implementation Method 3
a flame image generating unit that radiates light so that flame images can be generated on a surface of the cooking container, wherein the flame image generating unit may include: a plurality of light sources that radiate light toward the cooking container
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cooking apparatus including: an induction heating coil that generates a magnetic field heating a cooking container; and an image generating unit that radiates light so that an image is generated on a surface of the cooking container, wherein the image generating unit includes: a plurality of light sources that radiate light toward the cooking container; a light source driving circuit that provides driving currents to the plurality of light sources; and a light-emitting controller that controls the light source driving circuit.