Induction Cooktop Coil Sensing for Automatic Heater Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring induction cooktop switching generators to match the parameters of different induction heaters are costly, time-consuming, and complex, requiring additional components and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An induction cooktop with a control unit that automatically configures operating parameters by sensing the response of induction heaters to test signals, identifying the heater type, and setting appropriate settings without external equipment or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration commands are sent through communication ports or stored in programmable nonvolatile memory, then the switching generator can be configured to match induction heater parameters, but physical connectors and additional components are required, increasing costs and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data from external communication ports and memory devices, and instead embeds it directly into the induction heater coil assembly through physical characteristics (such as resistance values or inductance values) that are inherently part of the coil structure. This eliminates the need for separate communication interfaces and configuration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heater coil assembly performs dual functionality: it both heats the cookware and provides configuration information to the switching generator. The coil's physical characteristics serve as both operational parameters and identification codes, allowing the system to self-configure without external intervention or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jumper switches are manually set to define configuration, then the switching generator can be configured for different induction heater types, but the process is time-consuming and not effective on a large scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the induction heater type through the coil's inherent physical characteristics and configures itself without manual intervention. The configuration process occurs automatically during system initialization, eliminating the need for manual jumper setting and significantly improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jumper switch system with an electrical detection system that reads the coil's physical characteristics (resistance, inductance) to determine configuration parameters. This substitution enables automated detection and configuration, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining configuration flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If resistors encoding induction heater types are associated with individual induction heaters, then the processing unit can measure resistance and set operating parameters, but additional cost and greater layout complexity are involved due to required connection lines and contact pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration encoding function with the induction heater coil itself. The coil's physical characteristics (resistance, inductance, resonant frequency) serve as the encoding mechanism, eliminating the need for separate resistors and their associated connection infrastructure. This integration reduces component count and simplifies the overall system layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heater coil performs multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for heating and simultaneously provides configuration information through its physical characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated encoding components and their associated connection lines, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise heater type identification.
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 rapid, automated configuration of induction cooktops, reducing costs and complexity while ensuring accurate parameter matching for various induction heaters.
Implementation Method 1
an induction cooktop may comprise a control unit and switching current generators, sharing common mains line, rectifier and DC link and configured to energize induction heaters
Implementation Method 2
switching current generators...configured to energize induction heaters, which include respective inductors
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction cooktop includes: an induction heater (3), selected from one of a plurality of induction heater families; a control unit (15); a switching current generator (17), operable by the control unit (15) to energize the induction heater (3); and a memory device (30), containing identification ranges (RNGω11, RNGω12, RNGω21, RNGω31, RNGω12, RNGω22, RNGω32) of reference values of at least one characteristic parameter (R, X). Each induction heater family is identified by at least one respective identification range (RNGω11, RNGω12, RNGω21, RNGω31, RNGω12, RNGω22, RNGω32) of reference values. The control unit (15) is configured to: cause the switching current generator (17) to apply a test signal (ST) to the induction heater (3); determine an actual value of the at least one characteristic parameter characteristic parameter (R, X) of the induction heater (3) from a response of the induction heater (3) to the test signal (ST); identify the induction heater family of the induction heater (3) from a comparison of the actual value and the identification ranges (RNGω11, RNGω12, RNGω21, RNGω31, RNGω12, RNGω22, RNGω32) of reference values; and set operating parameters corresponding to the identified induction heater family.