Method for operating an induction cooktop and induction cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops with limited input power face challenges in efficiently distributing heating power across multiple cooking zones, leading to suboptimal cooking performance and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method and induction cooktop with a controller that allows users to select preprogrammed cooking schemes with assigned priority values, dynamically distributing heating power based on these priorities, even under restricted power conditions, ensuring faster and more efficient cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If preprogrammed cooking schemes are provided for all cooking zones, then user assistance and cooking automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular cooking schemes, where each scheme is an independent preprogrammed unit that can be individually selected and applied to cooking zones. This modularity allows the system to provide comprehensive automation without requiring a completely complex centralized control structure, as each scheme handles specific cooking tasks independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooking schemes are preprogrammed with predefined heating courses, power levels, and timing sequences before use. This preliminary preparation of control parameters eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations and user intervention during cooking, thereby enhancing automation while keeping the actual operational complexity low.
2Productivity
If heating power is distributed equally across multiple cooking zones, then simplicity of power management is maintained, but cooking performance and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each cooking zone is assigned a specific cooking scheme with its own priority value, allowing different power levels and heating characteristics to be applied locally to each zone based on its specific cooking requirements. This enables optimized cooking performance for each zone without requiring complex centralized power arbitration, as the priority values provide a simple rule-based differentiation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system dynamically adjusts heating power allocation based on the priority values of active cooking schemes. When multiple zones operate simultaneously, the system automatically prioritizes power delivery to zones with higher priority values, enabling adaptive power management that improves cooking speed without requiring complex real-time negotiation or user intervention.
3Productivity
If priority values are assigned to cooking schemes, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages power distribution based on the priority values assigned to cooking schemes without requiring user intervention. Once the user selects a cooking scheme for each zone, the controller autonomously determines power allocation according to the priority values, eliminating the need for users to manually manage power sharing or prioritize zones, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving efficient power distribution.
4Use of energy by moving object
If restricted power is available from the grid, then energy consumption is reduced, but cooking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Under restricted power conditions, the system applies partial action by allocating full power to high-priority cooking zones while providing reduced power to lower-priority zones. This selective power distribution ensures that critical cooking tasks receive sufficient energy for acceptable performance, while less critical tasks operate with reduced capacity, thereby maintaining overall cooking performance within energy constraints rather than uniformly degrading all 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
Enables efficient power distribution and faster cooking processes, enhancing user comfort by automating cooking processes even with limited grid power, allowing for simultaneous and prioritized cooking tasks on multiple zones.
Implementation Method 1
Induction cooktops use inductive energy transmission by an induction coil onto a cooking ware (or: dishware) thereby introducing eddy currents within the (bottom wall of the) cooking ware
Implementation Method 2
introducing eddy currents within the (bottom wall of the) cooking ware, which in turn heats up the cooking ware
Implementation Method 3
eddy currents within the (bottom wall of the) cooking ware, which in turn heats up the cooking ware
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an induction cooktop (1). The induction cooktop (1) comprises at least two cooking zones (4, 6). The method comprises - providing for selection by a user at least two different preprogrammed cooking schemes (B, G, F, S, W) for controlling a respective cooking zone (4, 6) according to a predefined heating course, - assigning different priority values to each cooking scheme (B, G, F, S, W), and - upon selection of a respective cooking scheme (B, G, F, S, W) for at least two cooking zones (4, 6) diverting heating power (P) to the respective cooking zones (4, 6) in dependence on the respective priority value assigned.