Induction Cooktop Coil Noise Transformation via Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops with multiple coils operating at different frequencies produce intermodulation noise within the human audible range, causing irritation to some users, despite previous attempts to suppress or eliminate this noise by altering frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method to monitor audible noise generated by multiple induction coils and adjust their operating characteristics, such as frequency, switching time, or power, to transform the noise into a pre-defined, desirable noise pattern, like a jingle or musical piece, using a closed-loop feedback circuit with a controller and audio receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple induction coils are operated simultaneously at different frequencies, then cooking functionality is provided, but intermodulation noise within the human audible range is generated causing irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful intermodulation noise into a beneficial musical tone by deliberately tuning the frequency difference between coils to match a desired musical frequency. The controller adjusts operating parameters to transform the noise frequency into a pleasant musical note, thereby converting a harmful effect into a beneficial one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (frequency, power level) of the induction coils to control the intermodulation noise frequency. By adjusting these parameters, the system can either minimize the noise or transform it into a desired musical tone, depending on the selected operating mode.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If operating frequencies are altered to suppress noise, then audible noise is reduced, but cooking performance and power delivery may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively adjusting only the operating parameters of specific coils when noise control is needed, rather than altering all coil operations. This allows noise suppression while maintaining cooking performance through targeted parameter adjustments on individual coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts coil operating parameters based on real-time conditions and selected noise control modes. The controller continuously monitors and modifies frequency and power levels to balance noise control requirements with cooking performance needs, allowing adaptive optimization of both aspects.
3Ease of operation
If noise is transformed into a pre-defined pattern, then user experience is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The existing controller of the induction cooktop is extended to provide multiple functions: it continues to manage cooking parameters while also controlling noise transformation into musical tones. By making the controller universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for noise control, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the actual noise generated by coil intermodulation and adjusts operating parameters to match the desired musical tone pattern. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate noise transformation while using existing control infrastructure.
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
Effectively changes the audible noise produced by induction coils into a pleasing pattern, allowing users to select from various noise patterns, enhancing user experience by mitigating noise irritation while maintaining the intended power settings.
Implementation Method 1
These coils are driven by high frequency currents to produce a magnetic field that is picked up by the ferromagnetic cooking utensil (e.g., pot or pan). The induced eddy currents in the utensil cause the utensil to heat up.
Implementation Method 2
The induced eddy currents in the utensil cause the utensil to heat up.
Implementation Method 3
Intermodulation of the driven frequencies results in a frequency that is essentially the difference of the driven frequencies (or harmonics thereof), and which may lie in the human audible range.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an induction cooktop having multiple induction heating coils includes monitoring a characteristic of the heating coils indicative of audible noise generated by simultaneous operation of multiple induction heating coils. Upon indication of audible noise from the monitored characteristic, an operating characteristic of at least one of the induction heating coils is varied so as to change the audible noise into a pre-defined, stored audible noise pattern that is desirous to a consumer or user of the cooktop.