Induction heating type cooktop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction heating cooktops face limitations in heating non-magnetic objects efficiently, as existing solutions either fail to heat the heating plate or conductor above a predetermined temperature, leading to reduced heating efficiency and increased heating time, and lack effective temperature sensing for thin layers heated to high temperatures, risking damage to components.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating cooktop with a thin layer temperature sensor installed under a heat insulator and in a sensor hole, allowing safe monitoring and minimization of measurement errors, and a cooling system to prevent damage from high heat, while maintaining a compact product design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a heating plate is added to enable induction heating of non-magnetic objects, then heating capability is improved, but heating efficiency deteriorates because the heating plate cannot be heated above a predetermined temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A thin layer made of magnetic material is introduced as an intermediary between the induction heating source and the non-magnetic heating plate. This thin layer can be heated to high temperatures through induction heating, and then transfers heat to the heating plate through thermal conduction, enabling the heating plate to reach temperatures above its direct induction heating limit while maintaining overall heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the thickness of the electrical conductor is increased to improve heating, then magnetic field penetration is improved, but heating efficiency deteriorates because the magnetic field cannot reach the to-be-heated object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor thicknessVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness of the electrical conductor is optimized 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 to-be-heated object, enabling direct induction heating while maintaining appropriate current density and heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a temperature sensor is installed to monitor the thin layer temperature, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidsensor installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is nested within the existing heat insulator structure. The heat insulator contains a through-hole that accommodates the temperature sensor, allowing the sensor to monitor the thin layer temperature while being protected from direct exposure to high temperatures. This nesting approach integrates the sensing function into the existing thermal management structure without adding significant complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enables efficient heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects, minimizes the risk of damage to the upper plate and components, and maintains a compact design by effectively monitoring and managing high temperatures, thus improving heating efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a working coil WC installed in the case 2; when a current is applied to the working coil WC, a magnetic field is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the induction heating method is a method for heating a to-be-heated object itself by generating an eddy current in the to-be-heated object made of a metal component by using magnetic field generated around a coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a heat insulator 10 provided between the upper plate part 4 and the working coil WC... so as to prevent heat generated while the thin layer TL or the to-be-heated object HO is heated from being transferred to the working coil WC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 4

a thin layer temperature sensor 300 configured to sense a temperature of the thin layer TL... the thin layer temperature sensor 300 may be installed such that a first end 312 of the thin layer temperature sensor 300 contacts the thin layer TL

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 5

a working coil cooling fan 90... blowing air toward the working coil WC... to cool the working coil WC

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3869910A1Induction heating type cooktop
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3869910A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3869910A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3869910A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an induction heating type cooktop. The induction heating type cooktop includes a case, a cover plate connected to an upper end of the case and provided with an upper plate part on which a to-be-heated object is disposed, a working coil provided inside the case, a thin layer coated on the upper plate part, a heat insulator configured to block heat transfer from the thin layer to the working coil, and a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the thin layer. The heat insulator is provided with at least one sensing hole through which the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the thin layer.