Induction heater for a cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops with multiple inductors for flexible pot placement are costly and complex to manufacture, and existing sensor arrangements lead to increased distance between inductors and the cooktop surface, compromising detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An induction heater design with inductors and sensors arranged on the same electrically insulating layer, shielded by conductive means to reduce interference, allowing for cost-effective production and efficient heating and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductors are arranged on the cooktop to allow flexible pot placement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single inductor is designed to serve multiple heating zones through electronic control, replacing the need for multiple physical inductors. The inductor can be selectively activated in different segments or zones, providing flexible pot placement capability while maintaining a simpler physical structure with fewer components.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged completely above the inductors to detect pot presence, then the measurement precision is improved, but the distance between inductors and cooktop surface increases, worsening the heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically conductive shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary between the inductor and sensor. This shielding layer allows the sensor to be positioned closer to the cooktop surface (improving heating efficiency) while still providing accurate pot detection. The shielding layer manages electromagnetic interference, enabling the sensor to function effectively at reduced distance from the inductor.
3Productivity
If sensors are arranged on the same level as inductors to reduce distance and improve heating efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the sensors are affected by electromagnetic interference from inductors, worsening the measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive shielding layer serves as a mediator positioned between the inductor and sensor on the same level. It provides electromagnetic shielding to protect the sensor from interference generated by the inductor, enabling both components to operate effectively in close proximity without compromising detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding layer is electrically connected to create an equipotential surface between the inductor and sensor. This equalizes the electromagnetic potential in the region, reducing interference effects on the sensor while allowing both components to be positioned on the same level for optimal heating efficiency.
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 design reduces production costs and assembly time while maintaining effective heating and accurate pot detection, with inductors and sensors being coplanar for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductor defining a winding adapted, at least, to heat at least one cooking utensil
Implementation Method 2
said electrically conductive means being adapted to shield the at least one sensor from interferences generated by the at least one inductor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 5~5A
AI summary
An induction heater (1) for a cooking surface, the induction heater (1) comprising - an electrically insulating layer (2); - at least one inductor (3) defining a winding, adapted, at least, to heat at least one cooking utensil; - at least one sensor (4, 5) adapted, at least, to detect whether said at least one cooking utensil is placed above the cooking surface; - at least one magnetic flux concentrator (8); wherein said at least one inductor (3) and said at least one sensor (4, 5) are arranged on said electrically insulating layer (2); wherein said layer (2) is interposed between said at least one inductor (3) and said at least one magnetic flux concentrator (8).