Induction Cooktop Visual Feedback via Coil-Linked LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating devices with zone-free types face challenges in accurately detecting and displaying the position of objects, leading to potential incorrect arrangement and reduced heating performance due to the lack of clear visual cues on the cooktop surface.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating device incorporates a control module that analyzes the position of objects relative to multiple working coils and controls light emitting elements to create a visual representation of the heating zone on the cooktop surface, improving user awareness and accuracy through a form compensation algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If zone-free type induction heating device uses multiple working coils to heat objects of various sizes and positions, then heating versatility is improved, but visual indication of heating zone becomes complex and difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooktop surface into multiple discrete heating zones, each corresponding to a specific working coil. Each heating zone is independently indicated by light emitting elements arranged in the shape of the working coil, allowing users to clearly identify which zone is active even when multiple zones are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light emitting elements locally around each working coil to provide visual feedback. The light emitting elements are positioned to match the shape and location of each working coil, creating localized visual indicators that correspond to specific heating zones, making it easy for users to understand where objects should be placed.
2Device complexity
If working coil position is displayed only on the display panel, then device complexity is reduced, but user recognition of correct object placement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display panel indication to three-dimensional spatial indication by placing light emitting elements directly on the cooktop surface around each working coil. This provides visual feedback in the same physical space where objects will be placed, enhancing user understanding without adding complex display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting elements serve as an intermediary between the working coils and the user. They provide visual information about the heating zone location and status without requiring direct viewing of the working coils themselves, which are hidden beneath the cooktop surface.
3Loss of information
If light emitting elements are arranged around individual working coils, then visual feedback is provided, but difficulty arises in displaying objects of various sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple identical light emitting element patterns, each capable of indicating a different heating zone. Each pattern can accommodate objects of various sizes and shapes within its designated zone, and the system as a whole can handle multiple different object configurations simultaneously by activating the appropriate combinations of zones.
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 solution enhances user experience by providing clear visual feedback on the correct placement of objects, reducing the likelihood of incorrect arrangement and maintaining heating performance, thus improving user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting elements that are configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
In the induction heating method, eddy current may be generated in the object made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil based on a high-frequency power of a predetermined magnitude applied to the coil to heat the object
Implementation Method 3
eddy current may be generated in the object made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating device includes a case, working coils, a cover plate, an input interface, a first control module configured to detect one or more of the working coils at a position of an object seated on the cover plate, a second control module configured to receive information on the position of the object and control the input interface to display an image of a heating zone, and light emitting elements disposed below a periphery of each of the plurality of working coils. The second control module is configured to analyze an arrangement form of the one or more of the working coils based on the information on the position of the object, and control driving of at least one of the light emitting elements based on a result of analyzing the arrangement form.