Induction Heating Element Buffer Area Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction cooking devices face issues with thermal expansion of induction heating line elements, leading to deformation and potential short circuits due to uneven heating, which affects heating performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a buffer area with thermal compensation loops in the induction heating line element to absorb thermal expansion changes, maintaining constant external dimensions and minimizing movement relative to fastening elements, thereby preventing bulging and enhancing heating properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the induction heating element is rigidly fixed between fastening elements, then mounting stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes deformation and lifting away from the muffle wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidelement deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating element incorporates a buffer area with reduced rigidity that acts as a flexible zone, allowing the element to accommodate thermal expansion without rigid constraint. This flexible region absorbs dimensional changes while maintaining overall mounting stability and preventing deformation of the heated sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rigidity parameter of specific regions of the induction heating element by reducing material density or structural stiffness in the buffer area. This parameter modification allows the element to dynamically adapt its mechanical properties during heating cycles, accommodating thermal expansion while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the induction heating element is made flexible to accommodate thermal expansion, then deformation is reduced, but structural strength and short circuit prevention become compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement stabilityVSAvoidshort circuit risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating element is segmented into distinct functional zones: rigid heating sections that maintain structural integrity and prevent short circuits, and flexible buffer sections that accommodate thermal expansion. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its properties for its specific function while working together as a unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the induction heating element have different rigidity qualities - the buffer area has reduced rigidity to absorb thermal expansion, while the heating sections maintain high rigidity for structural strength and electrical isolation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If fastening elements are used to secure the induction heating element, then mounting reliability is improved, but thermal expansion causes lifting and warping between fastening points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidelement warping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer area is pre-designed with reduced rigidity and increased compliance before heating begins. This preliminary structural preparation allows the element to naturally accommodate thermal expansion forces during heating cycles, preventing warping and lifting between fastening points while maintaining reliable mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration ensures stable and efficient heating, reduces the risk of short circuits, and maintains optimal heating performance by compensating for thermal expansion, resulting in improved construction and operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

the induction heating element has at least a buffer area (16a, 26a) which is intended to at least partially compensate for at least a thermal expansion change of the induction heating element (14a), which is caused in particular by at least one thermal expansion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3664579B1Induction cooking device
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3664579B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3664579B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3664579B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an induction cooking appliance (10a-b), in particular an induction oven, with at least one induction heating unit (12a-b) which has at least one induction heating element (14a-b). In order to provide a generic device with improved design characteristics, it is proposed that the induction heating element (14a-b) has at least one buffer area (16a-b) which is designed to at least partially compensate for at least a thermal expansion change of the induction heating element (14a-b).