Induction Cooktop Power Control via Cookware Position Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Induction cooking appliances face complexity and safety issues when controlling multiple pans, particularly due to cumbersome and costly additional operating elements like potentiometers, rotary switches, or touch buttons, which can be confusing and uncomfortable to use, especially when dirty or heated.

Innovation Solution

The method adjusts the power of the induction coil based on the position of cookware, eliminating the need for additional control elements by using a control unit to compare actual and target values of the cookware's position, adjusting the coil's power to match the target curve, which can be controlled using a proportional, integral, or differential controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional operating elements (potentiometers, rotary switches, touch buttons) are added to control power for multiple pans, then power control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the number of pans and their positions, then autonomously assigns power levels without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control unit monitors the cooking surface and adjusts power distribution based on detected pan positions, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for complex manual control elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical control elements (potentiometers, rotary switches, touch buttons) are replaced with an automated detection and control system using sensors and a control unit that electronically determines pan positions and adjusts power accordingly, substituting mechanical interaction with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional operating elements (potentiometers, rotary switches, touch buttons) are added to control power for multiple pans, then power control capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower control capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the number of pans and their positions, then autonomously assigns power levels without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control unit monitors the cooking surface and adjusts power distribution based on detected pan positions, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for complex manual control elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical control elements (potentiometers, rotary switches, touch buttons) are replaced with an automated detection and control system using sensors and a control unit that electronically determines pan positions and adjusts power accordingly, substituting mechanical interaction with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If touch buttons are arranged directly under the cooking surface, then control accessibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when the surface is dirty or hot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidcontamination and heat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the number of pans and their positions, then autonomously assigns power levels without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control unit monitors the cooking surface and adjusts power distribution based on detected pan positions, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for complex manual control elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Physical control elements (potentiometers, rotary switches, touch buttons) are replaced with an automated detection and control system using sensors and a control unit that electronically determines pan positions and adjusts power accordingly, substituting mechanical interaction with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies operation, reduces space and cost requirements, prevents confusion between pans, and ensures safe and efficient heating by adjusting power based on cookware position, enhancing user experience and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an induction cooking appliance which has at least one coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the heating device has four heating elements which are designed in such a way that the edge areas of the hotplate can also be used for cooking purposes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP2087770B1Method for controlling an induction cooking appliance and induction cooking appliance

Publication Date: 2010.08.25 MENU SYST

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an induction cooking appliance (1) with at least one coil (5), wherein the power of the coil (5) is adjusted as a function of a position of a cooking utensil (12) on the coil (5). The invention also relates to an induction cooking appliance for heating a cooking utensil, which has at least one coil (5) and a drive unit (6) for the coil (5), the induction cooking appliance being designed to implement the mentioned method.