Induction Cooktop Flame Projection for Heating State Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooking devices lack intuitive visualization of the heating state, making it difficult for users to recognize the heating status, especially from a distance or without detailed observation, due to the absence of a visible flame and the low recognizability of digital displays.
Innovation Solution
A virtual flame image is displayed on the cooking container using a light source unit with an optical member that minimizes distance tolerance between the light source and the main slit, creating a three-dimensional effect with shades, and using W LEDs or RGB LEDs to form a flame image that can be individually controlled, enhancing the quality and reliability of the flame image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a digital display is used to indicate heating state, then information can be provided, but recognizability is low and users cannot easily recognize the heating state from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in the virtual flame image to indicate different heating states. The flame image displays different colors (e.g., blue, green, yellow, red) corresponding to different heating levels, making it easily recognizable from a distance without requiring detailed observation of digital displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual flame image that copies the visual appearance of a real flame using light projection. This virtual flame is projected onto the cooking container surface, providing intuitive visual feedback that resembles the actual heating process, thereby improving recognizability over digital displays
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no flame is generated during induction heating, then safety is improved (no fire risk), but intuitive recognition of heating state becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a virtual flame image onto the cooking container that visually copies the appearance of a real flame. This provides intuitive visual feedback about the heating state without generating actual fire, maintaining safety while improving recognizability
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual flame image uses color variations to indicate different heating intensities and states, providing visual cues that help users understand the heating status without the need for actual flame, thus maintaining safety while enabling intuitive recognition
3Device complexity
If distance tolerance between light source and main slit is not minimized, then device complexity is reduced, but quality of flame image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical member (lens or reflector) as an intermediary between the light source and the cooking container. This optical component focuses and directs the light to form a clear virtual flame image, reducing the sensitivity to distance tolerance between the light source and the projection surface, thereby improving image quality without significantly increasing device 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
The solution allows users to intuitively recognize the heating state of the cooking container with a realistic virtual flame image, improving the product's quality and reliability by providing a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly interface.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources may include W LEDs or RGB LEDs
Implementation Method 2
an optical member for changing the direction of light emitted from the light source module and concentrating the light
Implementation Method 3
an induction coil for generating a magnetic field when a current is applied. When the magnetic field is generated by applying the current, a secondary current is induced to the cooking container
Implementation Method 4
Joule heat is generated due to a resistance component of the cooking container itself. Accordingly, the cooking container is heated
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction heating cooking device comprises: a cooking table having an auxiliary slit through which light passes; an induction coil for generating a magnetic field so as to inductively heat a cooking container placed on the cooking table; at least one light source disposed at the outer edge of the induction coil; an optical member for changing the traveling direction of light emitted the light source and concentrating the light, and a main slit through which light emitted from the optical member passes so as to form a flame image on the cooking container. The induction heating cooking device forms a virtual flame image on the lower surface of a cooking container at the time of operation of the induction coil, thereby enabling the heating state of the cooking container to be easily recognized.