Induction Cooktop Heating Module for Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating cooktops are limited in their ability to efficiently heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects, often requiring additional heating elements and increasing material costs and complexity, while existing solutions either lack efficiency or require users to consider the material type of the object being heated.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating cooktop design featuring a working coil and a heating module with an electrically conductive material, such as metal, conductive oxide, or carbon-based materials, that can heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects directly or indirectly using the same heat source, with a thermal insulation material and a blocking plate to manage magnetic fields and heat delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a heating plate is added to enable induction heating of non-magnetic objects, then heating capability is improved, but heating efficiency deteriorates and boiling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A heating plate made of electrically conductive material is introduced as an intermediary between the induction coil and non-magnetic objects. The heating plate converts electromagnetic energy to thermal energy through eddy currents, then transfers heat to non-magnetic objects through thermal conduction, enabling heating of materials that cannot be directly heated by induction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical resistance and thickness parameters of the heating plate are optimized to balance heating efficiency and material cost. By controlling these parameters, the plate achieves sufficient heating performance while minimizing energy loss and production costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid cooktop with both radiant heater and induction coil is used, then heating versatility is improved, but device complexity and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a heating element for non-magnetic objects, a heat transfer medium for magnetic objects, and a protective layer for the induction coil. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate radiant heaters and simplifies the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating plate and induction coil are combined into a single integrated heating system. The plate is positioned between the coil and the cooking surface, merging the advantages of induction heating and thermal conduction into one unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an all metal cooktop is used to heat all metallic objects, then heating versatility is improved, but material costs and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating versatilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The heating plate uses localized eddy current heating only where needed, rather than heating the entire metal surface. The electromagnetic field is concentrated in specific areas corresponding to the cooking zones, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for efficient heating of all objects regardless of their magnetic properties, reducing material costs and complexity by using a single heat source and eliminating the need for additional heating elements, while improving usability and productivity in mass production.

Implementation Method 1

an induction heating method, an object to be heated can be heated by eddy current that is generated in the object including metallic ingredients, by using a magnetic field that is generated around a coil when a predetermined magnitude of high-frequency power is supplied to the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an induction heating method, an object to be heated can be heated by eddy current that is generated in the object including metallic ingredients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a thermal insulation material disposed between the heating module and the working coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3869920A1Induction heating type cooktop having improved usability
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3869920A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869920A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3869920A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An induction heating type cooktop includes: a case, a cover plate that is coupled to an upper end of the case and that includes an upper plate arranged to receive a target object, a working coil that is disposed in the case and that is configured to heat the target object, a heating module that is disposed at a lower surface of the upper plate of the cover plate and that includes an electrically conductive material, and a thermal insulation material disposed between the heating module and the working coil.