Induction Heating Current Measurement Circuit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking appliances have complex circuitry that leads to a large footprint and high costs due to the need for multiple circuit portions to provide information on phase delay, peak current, and over-current protection, making them inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining properties of electrical current provided to an induction heating element using a heating power energy unit with a switching element and an oscillating circuit, coupled with a measurement circuit and control entity to derive operational state information, reducing circuitry complexity and enabling simplified hardware for pot detection, phase delay, and peak current information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple circuit portions are used to provide phase delay, peak current, and over-current protection information, then the control information completeness is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple circuit portions that previously provided separate functions (phase delay measurement, peak current detection, over-current protection) into a single integrated circuit. This integration maintains all necessary control information while reducing the overall circuit complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - measuring phase delay, detecting peak current, and providing over-current protection - all within a single circuit structure. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple circuit portions are used to provide measurement information, then the measurement precision is improved, but the footprint area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement circuits are merged into a single integrated circuit structure, maintaining the precision capabilities of individual measurement portions while consolidating their physical footprint into one compact unit.
3Measurement precision
If multiple circuit portions are used for current property measurement, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a single circuit design, reducing the total component count and assembly steps required for manufacturing. This consolidation maintains measurement accuracy while lowering production costs through simplified assembly and reduced parts inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
A single multi-functional circuit performs all current property measurements, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate circuits. This universal approach reduces manufacturing complexity and associated costs while preserving the precision benefits of dedicated measurement circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining properties of the electrical current provided to an induction heating element (2) of an induction cooking appliance (1). The induction cooking appliance (1) has a heating power energy unit (3) including a heating power generator (4) with at least one switching element (5) adapted to provide pulsed electric power to said induction heating element (2). The induction cooking appliance (1) also has an oscillating circuit (6) with at least one resonance capacitor (6.1, 6.2). The induction heating element (2) is electrically coupled with the heating power generator (4) and the oscillating circuit (6). The induction cooking appliance (1) also has a control entity (8), wherein an input of a measurement circuit (9) is coupled with a node of the heating power energy unit (3).