Induction Heating Inverter Circuit Segmentation for Multi-Vessel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction heating apparatuses lack the ability to independently heat multiple cooking vessels on different areas due to fixed inverter circuit connections, limiting usability based on vessel arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating apparatus includes a branch switch to connect or separate adjacent working coils and uses a controller to switch inverter circuits based on the position and size of cooking vessels, allowing independent heating of multiple vessels by connecting some working coils to different inverter circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If working coils are fixed to single inverter circuits, then circuit control is simplified, but the ability to independently heat multiple vessels on different areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inverter circuit system into multiple independent inverter circuits (first inverter circuit and second inverter circuit), each capable of independently controlling specific working coils. This segmentation allows different cooking areas to be heated independently based on vessel placement, resolving the contradiction between simplified control and multi-vessel heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability where coil switches can reassign working coils to different inverter circuits based on detected vessel positions and sizes. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to various cooking scenarios (single vessel, multiple vessels, different positions) while maintaining independent heating control, thus improving versatility without permanent structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If inverter circuits are switched based on vessel position and size, then heating flexibility is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic vessel detection and automated coil switch control that operates without manual intervention. The controller automatically detects vessel presence and position, then autonomously configures the coil switches and inverter circuit assignments to optimize heating for the detected arrangement. This self-service approach provides heating flexibility while minimizing the complexity burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vessel detection feedback to dynamically adjust inverter circuit assignments. The controller continuously monitors vessel position and size, and based on this feedback, automatically reconfigures which working coils are connected to which inverter circuits. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables flexible heating adaptation while keeping control logic systematic and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inverter circuits are used for different working coils, then independent heating control is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the inverter circuits and coil switches to serve multiple functions. Each inverter circuit can potentially control multiple working coils through the switching mechanism, and each coil switch can connect its working coil to different inverter circuits based on needs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated one-to-one connections, enabling independent heating control while managing structural complexity through shared resources.
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 enables independent heating of multiple cooking vessels on different areas, improving the usability of the induction heating apparatus by allowing flexible adjustment of heating levels based on user input and vessel arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric current is applied to the working coil to generate a magnetic field, secondary current is induced in the cooking vessel placed on the plate
Implementation Method 2
Joule heat is generated by resistance components of the cooking vessel itself
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating apparatus includes a plate including a plurality of cooking areas, a plurality of working coils arranged below the plate to correspond to the plurality of cooking areas, respectively, a plurality of coil switches connected to the plurality of working coils, respectively, a first inverter circuit connected to one end of a first coil switch and one end of a second coil switch among the plurality of coil switches, a second inverter circuit connected to one end of a third coil switch and one end of a fourth coil switch among the plurality of coil switches, and a branch switch connected to an other end of the second coil switch and to an other end of the third coil switch.