Induction Cooktop Frequency Modulation for Lower EMC Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooktops require high-performance ASICs for computationally intensive frequency modulation, leading to increased costs and electromagnetic interference, which affects user comfort and compliance with EMC standards.

Innovation Solution

Modulating the switching frequency within a modulation period that is an integer multiple of half a mains AC voltage period using frequency modulation, reducing computational effort and interference, and allowing for the use of simpler and more cost-effective circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If high-performance ASICs are used for frequency modulation, then frequency modulation can be performed, but costs increase and electromagnetic interference worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency modulation capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation period parameter from the conventional maximum of half a mains AC voltage period to an integer multiple of half a mains AC voltage period (e.g., 10ms, 20ms, 40ms). This parameter change reduces the switching frequency modulation rate, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining effective frequency modulation capability without requiring high-performance ASICs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic frequency modulation where the modulation period is synchronized with the mains AC voltage period. By setting the modulation period to an integer multiple of half the mains AC voltage period, the frequency modulation is performed periodically in sync with the power grid, which reduces electromagnetic interference and allows for simpler circuit implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If modulation period is extended to integer multiple of half mains AC voltage period, then computational effort is reduced, but frequency modulation performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational effortVSAvoidfrequency modulation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the modulation period parameter from the conventional short duration (maximum half a mains AC voltage period) to a longer duration that is an integer multiple of half the mains AC voltage period. This parameter extension reduces the rate of frequency changes, thereby reducing computational effort while maintaining effective frequency modulation through synchronized periodic action with the mains voltage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic frequency modulation where the control unit modulates the switching frequency at intervals that are integer multiples of half the mains AC voltage period. This periodic action synchronized with the power grid ensures that frequency modulation remains effective for reducing electromagnetic interference while requiring less computational processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If switching frequency is modulated frequently, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to acoustic stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidacoustic stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation frequency parameter by extending the modulation period to an integer multiple of half the mains AC voltage period. This reduces the rate at which the switching frequency is modulated, thereby reducing acoustic stress and improving user comfort while still maintaining effective electromagnetic interference reduction through synchronized periodic modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic frequency modulation synchronized with the mains AC voltage, where the modulation period is an integer multiple of half the mains voltage period. This synchronized periodic action reduces high-frequency switching variations that cause acoustic stress, thereby improving user comfort while maintaining electromagnetic interference reduction through the periodic nature of the modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach enhances user comfort by minimizing acoustic stress and electromagnetic interference, reduces material costs, and ensures compliance with EMC standards, providing efficient and cost-effective induction cooktop operation.

Implementation Method 1

the control unit modulates the switching frequency within a modulation period, which corresponds to an integer multiple of half a period of a mains AC voltage, by means of at least one frequency modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

control unit which is designed to repeatedly control and supply energy to at least one induction target at a switching frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4159003B1Domestic appliance device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4159003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4159003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4159003B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a domestic appliance device (10a-e), in particular a cooking appliance device, comprising at least one control unit (12a-e) which is provided to control at least one induction target (14a-e) repetitively with a switching frequency (16a-e) and to supply same with power. According to the invention, in order to provide a generic device with improved efficiency, the control unit (12a-e), in an operating state, modulates the switching frequency (16a-e) within a modulation period (18a-e) which corresponds to an integer multiple of a half period duration (20a-e) of a mains AC voltage (22a-e), by means of at least one frequency modulation.