Induction Cooktop Thin-Layer Design for Non-Magnetic Object Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooktops face inefficiencies in heating non-magnetic objects and risk damage to internal components due to high temperature heat transfer, as they often cannot heat objects above a certain temperature and lack effective cooling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating cooktop design includes a thin layer on the cover plate to indirectly heat non-magnetic objects and a cooling passage to dissipate heat away from the working coil, minimizing temperature rise and preventing component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heating plate is used to heat non-magnetic objects by induction heating, then the cooktop can heat non-magnetic objects, but the heating plate cannot be heated above a predetermined temperature which deteriorates heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical conductor layer is introduced as an intermediary between the working coil and the non-magnetic object. The conductor has thickness less than the skin depth to allow magnetic field penetration, enabling it to be heated by eddy currents and subsequently transfer heat to the object, achieving temperatures above what the heating plate alone could reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness of the electrical conductor is controlled to be less than the skin depth of the conductor material. This parameter change allows the magnetic field to penetrate through the conductor and reach the object, while still generating sufficient eddy currents in the conductor to achieve high heating temperatures.
2Power
If the thickness of the electrical conductor is greater than the skin depth, then the conductor can be heated more effectively, but the magnetic field cannot reach the object which deteriorates heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness of the electrical conductor is precisely controlled to be less than the skin depth. This parameter optimization balances two competing requirements: generating sufficient eddy currents for effective heating while allowing magnetic field penetration to the object.
3Productivity
If the heating plate is heated above a predetermined temperature to generate high temperature heat, then heating efficiency is improved, but the high temperature heat may be transferred to other components such as working coil and upper plate causing malfunction or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor acts as a heat generation intermediary that is positioned closer to the object, reducing the temperature requirement of the heating plate. The conductor generates heat through eddy currents and transfers it directly to the object, minimizing heat transfer to surrounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional resistance heating method (using a heating plate) with induction heating of an electrical conductor. This substitution allows for more precise control of heat generation location and temperature, reducing harmful heat transfer to other components.
4Productivity
If only a magnetic object is heated by induction heating method, then heating efficiency is high, but non-magnetic objects cannot be heated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor serves as a mediator that converts the magnetic field from the working coil into heat, which is then transferred to non-magnetic objects. This intermediary mechanism enables the induction heating system to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects effectively.
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 design allows for efficient heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects while minimizing the risk of component damage from high temperatures, improving heating efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The eddy current may be generated in the object by a magnetic field around a coil in response to predetermined radio frequency power applied to the coil
Implementation Method 2
an object may be heated by an eddy current flowing through the object made of a metal component. The eddy current may be generated in the object by a magnetic field around a coil
Implementation Method 3
a thin layer disposed at the cover plate... When the object is a non-magnetic object, the working coil may indirectly heat the object
Implementation Method 4
indirectly heat the object
Implementation Method 5
a cooling fan configured to blow air toward the working coil... The cooling passage is configured to guide the air to pass through the working coil
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating type cooktop include a case, a cover plate connected to an upper end of the case, the cover plate having an upper surface configured to support thereon an object to be heated, a thin layer disposed at the cover plate, a heat insulator disposed vertically below the thin layer, a working coil disposed inside the case, a cooling fan configured to blow air toward the working coil, and a bracket that defines a cooling passage. The cooling passage is configured to guide the air to pass through the working coil and to discharge the air to an outside of the bracket.