Induction Heating Control Using Container Efficiency Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating devices fail to account for the varying properties of containers, leading to incomplete cooking due to inefficient energy transmission, as they recommend the same target output power and time regardless of container type.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating apparatus that adjusts operation time and target output power based on a container efficiency index, calculated by comparing resonance current values with preset references, using sensors and controllers to optimize cooking performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the same target output power value and operation time are recommended for all products regardless of container type, then the device operation is simplified, but the food fails to be cooked completely due to different container properties affecting energy transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcooking completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the resonance current value of the working coil, compares it with a reference value, and uses this feedback to calculate the container efficiency index. This feedback mechanism enables the device to automatically adjust operation parameters based on actual container properties, ensuring complete cooking while maintaining ease of operation through automated adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (target output power value and/or operation time) based on the calculated container efficiency index. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to container properties detected through resonance current measurement, the system ensures complete cooking for different container types while keeping the user interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the device adjusts operation parameters based on container efficiency index calculated from resonance current measurement, then complete cooking is achieved for different container properties, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking completenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring resonance current, calculating container efficiency index, and modifying operation parameters without user intervention. This self-service approach handles the complexity internally while maintaining simple user interaction, achieving complete cooking for different containers without burdening the user with complex controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of resonance current value before cooking operation to calculate the container efficiency index. This preliminary action enables the device to pre-determine appropriate operation parameters based on container properties, ensuring complete cooking from the start and avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during cooking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If resonance current measurement and container efficiency calculation are performed, then energy transmission optimization is achieved, but the measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidresonance current measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The resonance current value serves as an intermediary measurement that indirectly reflects container properties and energy transmission efficiency. By measuring the electrical current in the working coil rather than directly measuring thermal or mechanical parameters, the system achieves energy transmission optimization through an accessible and measurable electrical parameter with manageable precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures complete cooking of food using different containers by optimizing energy transmission, enhancing user satisfaction and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An induction heating apparatus is a mechanism that heats a container by generating an eddy current in a metal container, using a magnetic field generated around a working coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heats a container by generating an eddy current in a metal container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

measuring a resonance current value of the working coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4048025B1Induction heating apparatus and method for controlling induction heating apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4048025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4048025B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4048025B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for controlling an induction heating apparatus according to an embodiment includes steps of receiving an operation time and a target output power value corresponding to product information; driving a working coil based on the operation time and the target output power value; measuring a resonance current value of the working coil; comparing the resonance current value with a preset reference current value; calculating a container efficiency index of a container provided on the working coil based on an actual output power value of the working coil and the target output power value, when the resonance current value exceeds the reference current value; and adjusting at least one of the operation time or the target output power value based on the container efficiency index.