Induction cooktop with cooking article identification and tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops lack clear visual feedback for the proper positioning and sizing of cooking vessels, leading to user uncertainty in adjusting heat levels and potentially inefficient cooking performance.
Innovation Solution
An induction cooktop with a detector system that provides size and position information to a controller, which uses this data to adjust heating levels and guide users through visual indications to ensure optimal vessel placement and maintain consistent heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing Boolean detection is used to detect cooking vessel presence, then the detection simplicity is maintained, but the positioning precision and sizing information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection layer between the simple Boolean presence detection and the controller. This intermediary system processes detector signals to extract position and size information, converting basic presence data into detailed spatial characteristics without requiring complex direct measurement hardware in the control loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or direct physical measurement systems with electromagnetic field-based detection. The detector system uses changes in electromagnetic field characteristics (inductance, capacitance, impedance) to infer position and size of cooking articles, substituting complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with field-based sensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If zoneless cooktops adapt power delivery coils to match cooking article location, then the adaptability is improved, but the visual feedback clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the detector continuously monitors cooking article position and size, and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller adjusts power delivery coil activation and provides visual feedback through indicators that show the detected article position and recommended positioning, creating a closed-loop system that maintains both adaptability and information clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes in visual indicators (such as LED indicators or display elements) to communicate different states of cooking article detection and positioning. Different colors indicate different positions, sizes, or optimization states of the cooking article, providing intuitive visual feedback without sacrificing the adaptive power delivery functionality.
3Productivity
If power delivery coils are used for heating, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the visual indication of proper positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual indication function from the heating function. The power delivery coils remain dedicated to heating, while separate visual indicator elements (LEDs, display segments) provide positioning information. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally without interfering with each other's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system that translates the electromagnetic field data from the power delivery coils into visible positional information. The intermediary layer processes the coil detection data and presents it through visual indicators, allowing the heating system to maintain high efficiency while providing clear positioning feedback.
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 confidence in adjusting cooking vessel positions and maintains consistent heating by providing clear visual feedback and adaptive power delivery based on vessel size and position.
Implementation Method 1
Induction cooktops use one or more power delivery coils to heat compatible cooking articles by inducing eddy currents within the material of the cooking article by inductive coupling therewith
Implementation Method 2
Induction cooktops use one or more power delivery coils to heat compatible cooking articles by inducing eddy currents within the material of the cooking article
Data Source
AI summary
An induction cooktop includes a cooktop surface, a plurality of power delivery coils in an array beneath the cooktop surface, a cooking article detector, a light source directed toward the cooktop surface, and a controller. The controller receives a signal from the cooking article detector including size and position information for at least one detected cooking article on the cooktop surface and determines that a detected position of the detected cooking article does not correlate with a preferred position of the cooking article with respect to at least one of the plurality of power delivery coils. The controller then presents an indication, via the light source, of the preferred position of the detected cooking article on at least one of the detected cooking article and the cooktop surface.