Induction Cooktop Control Signal Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional induction hob control systems experience instability due to variable phase differences in periodic control signals, leading to fluctuations in power consumption and inconsistent cooking performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a synchronization step in the control method where periodic control signals are stopped and restarted at predetermined instants of a predefined timing signal, ensuring all signals operate in a synchronized manner to maintain a consistent phase difference and complete control cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If periodic control signals are controlled independently with loop operations, then flexibility in controlling each inductor is improved, but phase difference stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in controlling each inductorVSAvoidphase difference stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A synchronization signal is introduced as an intermediary to coordinate the control of multiple inductors. The synchronization signal ensures that control signals for different inductors are generated in sync, maintaining stable phase differences while allowing independent control of each inductor through the synchronized framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses periodic synchronization signals that align with the operating cycles of the inductors. By resetting or synchronizing control signals at specific periodic intervals, the system maintains consistent phase relationships between adjacent inductors while preserving the ability to independently control each inductor's power level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If phase differences between periodic control signals vary, then independent control of each inductor is improved, but power consumption stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of each inductorVSAvoidpower consumption stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization signal acts as a mediator that coordinates the timing of control signals for adjacent inductors. This ensures that while each inductor can be independently controlled in terms of power level, their operational phases remain synchronized, preventing power fluctuations and ensuring stable power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary synchronization of control signals before they are applied to the inductors. By pre-aligning the phases of control signals based on the synchronization signal, the system prevents power consumption instability from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct it afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If control signals are stopped and started at different instants, then operational flexibility is improved, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements periodic synchronization at specific instants within each operating cycle. This allows the system to maintain flexibility in controlling when inductors are started or stopped, while ensuring that all control signals are realigned at regular periodic intervals to prevent cumulative phase drift and maintain system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2445307B1Method for testing periodic control signals, in particular for an induction cooktop
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 GRP BRANDT
  • EP2445307B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2445307B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The method involves periodically implementing a synchronization step at a predetermined instant (t3) of predefined periodic timing signal (Sc). Periodic control signals (S1-S3) are stopped or started during the synchronization step, where the control signals have different frequencies. One of the control signals is stopped and started during the synchronization step implemented at the predetermined instant of following period (T3) succeeding to given periods (T1, T2) of the timing signal when the control signal is activated during one of the given periods of the timing signal. An independent claim is also included for an induction cook top, comprising inductors distributed under a cooking surface according a bi-dimensional frame.