Induction Cooktop Thin-Layer Heating for Non-Magnetic Cookware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooktops face inefficiencies in heating non-magnetic objects, requiring additional heating methods and increasing material costs, as they can only effectively heat magnetic objects using induction methods.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating cooktop design that incorporates a working coil and a thin layer, allowing for direct and indirect heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects using the same heat source, with the thin layer being inductively heated and acting as a medium to transfer heat to non-magnetic objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cooktop uses induction heating method, then magnetic objects can be heated efficiently, but non-magnetic objects cannot be heated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating plate as an intermediary component between the induction coil and the cookware. The heating plate converts electromagnetic energy to thermal energy through resistive heating, then transfers this heat to both magnetic and non-magnetic objects through conduction, thus mediating the heating process for objects that cannot be directly heated by induction
Solution Approach 2:
The heating plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal conductor for induction-heated magnetic objects, a direct heating element for non-magnetic objects, and a protective barrier between the coil and cookware. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both magnetic and non-magnetic materials with a single component
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heating plate is added to heat non-magnetic objects, then both magnetic and non-magnetic objects can be heated, but heating efficiency decreases and boiling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating plate incorporates localized heating zones with different thermal properties. Areas with higher thermal conductivity are positioned for direct coil contact to efficiently heat magnetic objects, while areas with appropriate thermal mass and conductivity are optimized for heating non-magnetic objects, creating local quality variations that optimize overall system performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid cooktop with radiant heater and working coil is used, then both magnetic and non-magnetic objects can be heated, but material costs increase and output efficiency cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the induction coil and heating plate into a single integrated assembly where the heating plate is positioned directly on the coil. This combination allows the system to function as both an induction heater (when magnetic cookware is detected) and a radiant heater (for non-magnetic objects), eliminating the need for separate heating elements and reducing overall system complexity
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
Ensures efficient heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects without additional heating elements, reducing material costs and improving usability by allowing any object to be heated without considering its material type, while also scaling down coating equipment and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the working coil is disposed in the case and configured to heat the object
Implementation Method 2
an object may be heated by heat that is generated when electric current flows through a metallic resistance wire
Implementation Method 3
the thin layer being inductively heated and acting as a medium to transfer heat to non-magnetic objects
Implementation Method 4
a thermal insulation material disposed between the module base and the working coil
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating-type cooktop include a case, a cover plate comprising an upper plate that is coupled to an upper end of the case and that is configured to seat an object to be heated on an upper surface of the upper plate, a working coil disposed in the case and configured to heat the object, a module base that is disposed at a lower surface of the upper plate and that includes a thin layer attached to a surface of the module base, and a thermal insulation material disposed between the module base and the working coil.