Induction Cooktop Thin Magnetic Layer for Non-Magnetic Object Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooktops are inefficient in heating non-magnetic objects and require users to consider the material of the object, leading to longer heating times and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating-type cooktop with a working coil and a thin layer that can heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects using the same heat source, where the thin layer is coated on the module base and has a skin depth greater than its thickness, allowing eddy currents to be induced in both types of objects, and the module base is not heated by the coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radiant heater is used to heat non-magnetic objects, then heating capability is provided, but heating efficiency is low and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A thin layer with magnetic properties is introduced as an intermediary between the induction heating element and non-magnetic objects. This thin layer converts electromagnetic energy to heat through hysteresis loss, which then transfers to the non-magnetic object, achieving efficient heating without direct induction heating of the non-magnetic material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic properties of the heating surface by applying a thin magnetic layer, allowing the system to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects efficiently through the same induction mechanism, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing heating efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heating plate with communication holes is used, then non-magnetic objects can be heated, but heating efficiency decreases and boiling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin magnetic layer serves as a mediator that enables direct induction heating of non-magnetic objects through magnetic hysteresis, eliminating the need for communication holes and achieving rapid heating comparable to magnetic objects
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid cooktop with radiant heater and working coil is used, then both magnetic and non-magnetic objects can be heated, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the induction heating element universal by adding a thin magnetic layer that enables it to heat both magnetic and non-magnetic objects efficiently through the same mechanism, eliminating the need for separate radiant heaters and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thin magnetic layer merges the functionality of induction heating and radiant heating into a single system, allowing one heating element to perform the work of both induction and radiant heaters by converting electromagnetic energy to thermal energy through magnetic hysteresis in the thin layer
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 placed on the cooktop without material consideration, and scaling down coating equipment for cost-effective mass production.
Implementation Method 1
an object itself may be heated by eddy currents that are generated in the object made of metallic ingredients based on a magnetic field generated around a coil when a predetermined magnitude of highfrequency power is supplied to the coil
Implementation Method 2
a thin layer attached to a lower surface of the module base, the thin layer having a magnetic property
Data Source
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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.