Induction Heating Coil Current Sensing Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional induction-heating cooking apparatuses face inaccuracies in sensing and controlling the output of heating coils, especially when dealing with multiple coils, and existing methods are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a modified circuit structure that includes sensing resistance between the filter and switch unit, allowing for accurate measurement of electric currents flowing through the resistance, which simplifies the sensing circuit and reduces costs, enabling precise control of heating coil outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sensing methods are used to measure voltages or currents of heating coils, then the sensing circuit can be implemented, but the accuracy in measuring output of heating coils is insufficient and it is not appropriate for multiple heating coils

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy in measuring output of heating coilVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensing resistor as an intermediary component connected between the filter and switch unit. This resistor enables indirect measurement of the heating coil output by measuring the voltage across it, which is proportional to the coil current. This intermediary approach simplifies the sensing circuit while maintaining measurement accuracy for single or multiple heating coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If direct measurement method is used at the node where heating coil is placed, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but the circuit cost becomes huge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy in sensing heating coil outputVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of circuit
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a low-cost sensing resistor instead of expensive direct measurement circuits. The sensing resistor is a simple, inexpensive component that provides accurate measurement capability without requiring complex or costly circuitry at the heating coil node, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional sensing circuit is used, then the circuit can operate, but the accuracy in controlling output of heating coil is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy in controlling heating coil outputVSAvoidsimplicity of circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing resistor serves multiple functions: it enables accurate measurement of heating coil output, provides a basis for precise control of single or multiple heating coils, and maintains circuit simplicity. This universal component improves control reliability without increasing device complexity, as it integrates seamlessly into the existing circuit architecture.

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

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 solution provides a cost-effective and accurate method for sensing and controlling the output of single or multiple heating coils, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by implementing a smaller and more efficient sensing circuit.

Implementation Method 1

high-frequency currents flow through a working coil or a heating coil, and when a strong magnetic line of force, generated as a result, passes through a cooking container, eddy currents flow such that the container itself is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

when a strong magnetic line of force, generated as a result, passes through a cooking container, eddy currents flow such that the container itself is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

an induction-heating cooking apparatus is an electric cooking device that cooks food with the method in which high-frequency currents flow through a working coil or a heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 4

first sensing resistance disposed between the filter and the first switch unit, a sensor that measures electric currents flowing through the first sensing resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS11979963B2Induction-heating cooking apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11979963B2 patent drawing
  • US11979963B2 patent drawing
  • US11979963B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an induction-heating cooking apparatus that includes a sensing circuit for controlling an output of a heating coil, and more specifically, to an induction-heating cooking apparatus capable of enhancing accuracy in measuring electric currents of a heating coil by simply modifying a circuit. The induction-heating cooking apparatus includes a control unit calculating an output of a heating coil on the basis of electric currents measured by a sensor supplying alternating current power.