Induction Heating Device Assembly with Hole-Based Cooling Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly process of zone-free type induction heating devices is complicated due to multiple working coils, and the cooling performance is affected, leading to potential damage from heat and increased repair costs.

Innovation Solution

The induction heating device features a case with a working coil, base plate, indicator substrate support, and resonance substrate, where the base plate defines holes corresponding to the working coil's inner side, allowing for improved assembly and airflow for cooling, with a blowing fan to dissipate heat and reduce component damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple working coils are used in a zone-free induction heating device, then heating versatility is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating versatilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the heating area into multiple independent zones, each with its own working coil that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different heating patterns and power levels for different cooking tasks, improving versatility while maintaining manageable assembly through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The induction heating device is designed to handle multiple cooking functions (simultaneous heating of multiple vessels, different power levels, various heating patterns) through a unified control system that manages multiple working coils, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple working coils are installed in the device, then heating capability is improved, but cooling performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidcooling performance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels, each serving specific high-heat components. This includes separate cooling paths for different working coils and their associated circuit boards, allowing efficient heat dissipation across the entire device despite multiple heat-generating elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat dissipation fins are introduced as intermediary structures between the working coils and the surrounding air. These fins increase the surface area for heat transfer and facilitate convective cooling, acting as a mediator that enhances cooling performance without requiring direct modification of the working coils themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If adequate cooling is not provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but component reliability decreases due to heat damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidcomponent reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Heat dissipation fins serve as intermediary thermal management components that passively enhance cooling without adding complex active cooling systems. These fins provide adequate cooling protection for components while maintaining relatively simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system is designed to operate passively through natural convection and radiation, with heat dissipation fins that automatically dissipate heat from working coils and components without requiring external control or additional energy input, maintaining simplicity while ensuring component reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design simplifies the assembly process, enhances cooling performance, reduces the risk of component damage from heat, and improves durability, thereby reducing repair costs.

Implementation Method 1

In the induction heating method, eddy current may be generated in the object made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil, based on a high-frequency power having a predetermined magnitude applied to the coil to heat the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

eddy current may be generated in the object made of metal based on a magnetic field generated, around the coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current heating: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a blowing fan to dissipate heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3737212B1Induction heating device having improved assemblability and cooling performance
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3737212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3737212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3737212B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An induction heating device includes a case, a working coil, a base plate that is disposed vertically below the working coil, an indicator substrate support that is coupled to the case and that is disposed vertically below the base plate, an indicator substrate that is disposed on an upper surface of the indicator substrate support, that is disposed vertically below the base plate, and that is spaced apart from the base plate, an inverter substrate that is disposed at a lower surface of the indicator substrate support and that includes an inverter configured to apply a resonance current to the working coil through a switching operation, and a resonance substrate that is disposed at the lower surface of the indicator substrate support, that is connected to the working coil, and that includes a resonance capacitor configured to generate the resonance current based on the switching operation of the inverter.