Induction Cooktop Thin Film Temperature Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooktops using the induction heating method struggle to efficiently heat nonmagnetic materials, as they require specific materials and result in lower heating efficiency and longer cooking times.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating type cooktop that includes a working coil and a thin film capable of heating both magnetic and nonmagnetic materials by analyzing the relationships between temperature and inductor and resistor components of an equivalent circuit formed by the inductively heated object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If induction heating method is used to heat nonmagnetic materials, then heating efficiency is improved, but the cooktop cannot heat nonmagnetic materials effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with material types

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A heating plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the induction coil and nonmagnetic materials. The heating plate converts electromagnetic energy to thermal energy through resistive heating, then transfers this heat to the nonmagnetic material through thermal conduction, enabling the cooktop to heat nonmagnetic materials effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal conductor for nonmagnetic materials, a protective barrier between the coil and material, and a universal heating surface that works with both magnetic and nonmagnetic materials, making the cooktop adaptable to various material types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a heating plate is added to heat nonmagnetic objects, then heating capability is improved, but heating efficiency decreases and cooking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to heat nonmagnetic objectsVSAvoidcooking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating plate's material properties are optimized by selecting materials with high thermal conductivity and appropriate specific heat capacity, allowing rapid heat transfer from the coil to the plate and then to the food, reducing the time penalty associated with the intermediate heating plate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid cooktop with radiant heater is used, then nonmagnetic objects can be heated, but output is low and heating efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to heat both magnetic and nonmagnetic objectsVSAvoidoutput power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The induction coil and heating plate are merged into a single integrated assembly where the heating plate is positioned directly within the coil's electromagnetic field, allowing the coil to heat the plate efficiently through electromagnetic induction, which then transfers heat to both magnetic and nonmagnetic materials simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If all-metal cooktop is used, then metal objects can be heated, but nonmagnetic non-metallic objects cannot be heated and material cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to heat metal objectsVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooktop uses a composite structure combining induction coil technology with a heating plate made of cost-effective materials having optimized thermal properties, achieving versatile heating capability for both metal and non-metallic objects without requiring expensive all-metal construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The cooktop achieves efficient heating of both magnetic and nonmagnetic materials, improving cooking efficiency and convenience by eliminating the need to consider the material type of the target heating object.

Implementation Method 1

a working coil provided in the case and configured to inductively heat the thin film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

In the induction heating method, a target heating object may be heated by eddy current generated in the target heating object made of a metal material, using an electrical field generated around a coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current heating: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentUS20250048506A1Induction heating type cooktop for estimating temperature of thin film

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

An induction heating type cooktop includes: a case, a cover plate coupled to a top of the case and having an upper plate that is configured to support a target object, a thin film disposed on at least one of a top of the upper plate or a bottom of the upper plate, a working coil provided in the case and configured to inductively heat the thin film, a memory storing information on one or more correlations between a temperature of the thin film and a plurality of components of an equivalent circuit associated with the thin film, the plurality of components including an inductor component and a resistor component, and a controller configured to operate the working coil and determine estimated temperature information corresponding to the inductor component and the resistor component of the equivalent circuit.