Induction Cooktop Intermediate Heating Body Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliances using induction heating methods face inefficiencies when heating both magnetic and non-magnetic materials, with a decrease in heating efficiency for magnetic containers due to intermediate heating bodies and low efficiency for non-magnetic materials like glass or ceramics.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating cooktop design that incorporates an intermediate heating body with adjustable heat output and coil phase control based on the material and position of the object being heated, allowing for efficient heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic materials by optimizing the magnetic field interaction and heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate heating body is incorporated to heat non-magnetic materials, then heating capability for non-magnetic materials is improved, but heating efficiency for magnetic containers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the intermediate heating body through on/off switching based on detected container type. When a magnetic container is detected, the intermediate heating body is turned off to prevent energy loss. When a non-magnetic container is detected, the intermediate heating body is activated to enable heating. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting system behavior based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (activation state) of the intermediate heating body based on the detected container material properties. By switching the intermediate heating body between active and inactive states, the system optimizes heating efficiency for magnetic containers while maintaining the capability to heat non-magnetic containers, thus resolving the efficiency loss contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate heating body is used to enable heating of non-magnetic materials, then versatility is improved, but heating efficiency for magnetic containers decreases due to indirect heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating configuration by controlling the intermediate heating body's operation based on container type detection. For magnetic containers, the intermediate heating body remains inactive, allowing direct induction heating and maintaining high productivity. For non-magnetic containers, the intermediate heating body is activated to provide the necessary heating path, thus achieving versatility without compromising magnetic container heating efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If fixed heating zones are predetermined, then heating control is simplified, but flexibility in heating arbitrary positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic heating zone configuration where the active heating area is determined by the position and type of container placed on the cooktop. The system detects container characteristics and activates appropriate heating zones, allowing both simplified control through automatic detection and flexibility to heat arbitrary positions. This resolves the contradiction by making the heating zones adaptive rather than fixed.
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 design enhances heating efficiency for both magnetic and non-magnetic materials, minimizing the decrease in efficiency when heating magnetic containers and ensuring consistent heating regardless of the material type, with adjustable heat output and phase control for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of working coils generating a magnetic field to heat at least a portion of the object to be heated and the intermediate heating body
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate heating body heated to transfer heat to the object to be heated
Implementation Method 3
when high-frequency power having a predetermined intensity is applied to a coil, eddy current is generated in the object to be heated using magnetic fields generated around the coil so that the object to be heated is heated
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a top plate portion configured to support an object to be heated; an intermediate heating body configured to transfer heat to the object; and a plurality of working coils configured to generate a magnetic field to heat at least a portion of the object to be heated and the intermediate heating body. Also, the intermediate heating body includes one or more heating areas corresponding to one or more working coils among the plurality of working coils.