Induction Cooktop Power Supply via Electromagnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supply systems for electrical devices in kitchens require a direct connection to the mains 230V alternating current, which can be inconvenient and cluttered, especially when used with induction cooking appliances, as they need a free mains supply and may not be easily accessible due to distance from the cooking vessel.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device that couples with an induction cooking appliance using a receiving coil to generate an electrical energy signal from the appliance's electromagnetic field, converting it into a usable output signal through a conversion unit and providing it to electrical devices via an output interface, eliminating the need for a direct mains connection and allowing for efficient energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical devices are connected to mains power supply, then power can be supplied to electrical devices, but kitchen clutter increases and accessibility becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of power supplyVSAvoidNumber of power supply connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply function with the induction cooking appliance by integrating a receiving coil into the appliance structure. This allows the induction appliance to serve dual purposes: cooking food and powering electrical devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power supply connections and reducing kitchen clutter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction cooking appliance is designed to perform multiple functions: thermal treatment of food products through induction heating and power supply to electrical devices through electromagnetic field coupling. The receiving coil enables the appliance to transfer electrical energy to various electrical devices, making it a universal power source for the kitchen environment.

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

2Loss of energy

If power supply device is placed far from induction coil, then electrical devices can be powered, but energy transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEnergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidPositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving coil acts as an intermediary element that couples the induction coil's electromagnetic field to the electrical devices. By placing the receiving coil within the induction appliance structure, it efficiently captures the electromagnetic energy and transfers it to connected devices, maintaining high energy transfer efficiency while allowing flexible device placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If receiving coil is placed far from induction coil, then power supply device can be positioned flexibly, but electromagnetic field interaction becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveElectromagnetic field interactionVSAvoidPositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving coil is strategically positioned within the induction appliance structure where the electromagnetic field is most intense. This local optimization ensures maximum electromagnetic field interaction and efficient energy capture, while the overall system design maintains positioning flexibility for the power supply device.

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

Enables the powering of electrical devices without a mains connection, reducing kitchen clutter and allowing simultaneous thermal treatment of food products, as the power supply device can be placed adjacent to the induction coil, providing a convenient and efficient energy solution.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving coil (6) configured to interact with an electromagnetic field generated, in use, by at least one induction coil (5) of the induction cooking appliance (2) and to generate an electrical energy signal in function of the electromagnetic field generated, in use, by the induction coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4432780A1Power supply device and system having an induction cooking appliance and a power supply device
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4432780A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4432780A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4432780A1 patent drawing

AI summary

There is described a power supply device (3) for supplying power to an electrical device (4) and configured to be coupled to an induction cooking appliance (2). The power supply device (3) comprises a receiving coil (6) configured to interact with an electromagnetic field generated, in use, by at least one induction coil (5) of the induction cooking appliance (2) and to generate an electrical energy signal in function of the electromagnetic field generated, in use, by the induction coil (5), a conversion unit (7) operatively connected to the receiving coil (6) and configured to convert the electrical energy signal originating from the receiving coil (6) into an output electrical energy signal; and an output interface (8) being operatively connected to the conversion unit (7) and configured to be connected to the electrical device (4) and to provide the output electrical energy signal to the electrical device (4).