Induction Cooktop Sensing Assembly for Vessel Position and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking appliances face challenges in accurately determining the temperature and position of cooking vessels due to the extravagance of current sensing devices that occupy space, leading to inefficiencies in induction heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A space-efficient solution using a thermistor and flux concentrators with flux sense windings to detect magnetic flux variations, allowing for precise temperature and position sensing of cooking vessels, which involves a thermistor lead wound around flux concentrators and flux sense windings to determine electrical parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensing devices are used to determine temperature and position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensing and position sensing functions into a single integrated sensing assembly. The thermistor and flux sense windings are positioned together in close proximity to the induction coil, allowing both measurements to be obtained from one compact structure rather than requiring separate sensing devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the thermistor measures temperature while the flux sense windings detect magnetic flux variations for position determination. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, reducing space occupation and simplifying the sensing system architecture
2Measurement precision
If current sensing devices are used to determine temperature and position, then measurement precision is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensing and position sensing functions into a single integrated sensing assembly. The thermistor and flux sense windings are positioned together in close proximity to the induction coil, allowing both measurements to be obtained from one compact structure rather than requiring separate sensing devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The flux sense windings are wound around the flux concentrator in a nested configuration, with the thermistor positioned in close proximity to this nested structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space and minimizes the overall footprint of the sensing assembly while maintaining the functionality of both sensing elements
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 approach enhances the accuracy and precision of temperature and position detection, optimizing induction heating by canceling polarity voltages and estimating induction coil current, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determining, by a sense assembly associated with the heating area, sensed electrical parameters indicative of a change in temperature and a variation of magnetic flux associated with a first induction coil corresponding to the heating area. The sensed electrical parameters are determined based at least in part on a thermistor
Implementation Method 2
a flux sense winding defined by the thermistor lead wound around the flux concentrator
Implementation Method 3
An induction cooking appliance applies radio frequency current to an induction heating coil to generate a strong radio frequency magnetic field on the heating coil. When a conductive vessel, such as a load (e.g., a pan), is placed over the heating coil, the magnetic field coupling from the heating coil may generate eddy currents within the vessel, causing the vessel to increase in temperature.
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of flux concentrators proximal to the heating area and a plurality of flux sense windings defined by the conductor lead wound around the plurality of flux concentrators, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An induction cooking appliance comprises at least one non-overlapping induction coil associated with a heating area for heating a cooking vessel and a sense assembly. The sense assembly comprises a thermistor proximal to the heating area and a conductor lead coupled with the thermistor. The sense assembly further comprises a plurality of flux concentrators proximal to the heating area and a plurality of flux sense windings defined by the conductor lead wound around the plurality of flux concentrators, respectively. The plurality of flux sense windings provides electrical parameters correlated to variation of magnetic flux. The induction cooking appliance further includes a controller configured to determine a position of the cooking vessel and a temperature of the heating area based at least in part on the electrical parameters of the plurality of flux sense windings.