Induction Cooktop Power Distribution for Flexible Pan Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops face challenges in efficiently heating containers of varying sizes and positions on the cooking surface, particularly when containers are only partly covered, as existing systems do not effectively adjust power distribution based on container size and position.
Innovation Solution
A method and cooktop design that utilize a two-dimensional array of inductors for detecting container presence, calculating power delivery based on coverage rate, and adjusting power distribution to maintain constant power density regardless of container diameter or position, with features for detecting container addition and movement, allowing flexible container placement and continuous heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductors are energized only when covered by a container, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot effectively handle containers of varying sizes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking surface is divided into multiple discrete inductor zones arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each inductor can be independently controlled and energized based on container coverage detection, allowing the system to segment the heating area to match the container's actual footprint and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which inductors are energized based on real-time container detection and coverage calculation. The set of active inductors changes dynamically according to container position, size, and shape, enabling adaptive energy distribution without continuous full-array operation.
2Measurement precision
If detection inductors operate continuously to track container position, then heating accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Detection inductors operate periodically rather than continuously. The system performs detection cycles to identify container presence and calculate coverage, then enters a lower-power state between cycles. This periodic operation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption during steady-state heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the existing inductor array and their natural electromagnetic fields for both heating and detection purposes. The same inductors that generate heat also serve as sensors when energized, eliminating the need for separate continuous detection equipment and reducing overall energy requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If power is distributed to all inductors in the heating area, then heating coverage is improved, but power density becomes inconsistent across different container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Each inductor within the detected heating area receives a customized power level based on its individual coverage ratio (the proportion of its area covered by the container). This local quality adjustment ensures that inductors with higher coverage receive proportionally more power, maintaining uniform power density across the entire container bottom regardless of container size or position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system calculates and adjusts the power parameter for each inductor based on its coverage ratio. By dynamically changing the power delivery parameter according to local coverage conditions, the system maintains consistent power density across varying container configurations while optimizing overall heating efficiency.
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
Enables efficient and flexible heating of containers of any size and position on the cooktop, ensuring consistent power density and continuous heating even when containers are moved, without continuous operation of detection inductors, thus optimizing energy use and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
heating means associated with inductors forming means for detecting the presence of a container
Implementation Method 2
a method of heating a container placed on a cooktop
Data Source
AI summary
Method for heating a container (Ri) placed on a cooktop including heating elements which are associated respectively with inductors which form elements for detecting the presence of the container and are distributed along a frame which is embodied such that it is two-dimensional in a cooking area. The method includes searching (E20) a heating area (Zi) consisting of the heating elements arrangement which are at least partially covered by the container and computing (E60) a power supplied by each heating element of the heating area (Zi) according to a total specified power (Pi) associated thereto and the degree of coverage of each detection element associated to heating element by the container (Ri). The invention can be used, in particular for an inductive cooktop.