Induction Heating Loaded-Object Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating devices require high power levels to determine if a pot is compatible for induction heating, which is inefficient and not accurate enough, as they only work with specific metal types, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating device equipped with a loaded-object sensor that uses a sensing coil and a control unit to determine the compatibility of a pot by analyzing changes in inductance value and current phase, consuming less than 1 W of power and including a limiting circuit to protect against induced voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high power levels are used to determine pot compatibility, then the accuracy of determining whether a pot is suitable for induction heating is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of pot compatibility determinationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pot compatibility determination process into two distinct stages: a preliminary detection stage using low power levels to screen potential candidates, and a verification stage using higher power levels only on promising candidates. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to using high power levels throughout the entire determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using minimal power levels (less than 1W) for the initial detection phase, which is sufficient to identify pots with ferromagnetic properties. Only after this preliminary screening confirms compatibility does the system escalate to higher power levels for verification, thereby avoiding unnecessary high power consumption while maintaining determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If only pots made of certain metal types are used, then the induction heating device can operate effectively, but the adaptability of the device is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of induction heatingVSAvoidcompatibility with different pot materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the magnetic properties of the pot material in real-time. This feedback allows the control system to identify whether the pot is suitable for induction heating and provide appropriate user guidance, thereby maintaining reliable operation with compatible pots while expanding adaptability by clearly communicating compatibility status for various pot materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that acts as a mediator between the induction heating device and various pot materials. This intermediary sensor system detects magnetic properties and translates them into compatibility information, allowing the device to effectively work with suitable materials while providing clear feedback about incompatible materials, thus expanding overall adaptability without compromising reliability.

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

Accurately and quickly determines the compatibility of a pot for induction heating while consuming less power, allowing for efficient and safe operation, and simultaneously measuring the pot's temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing coil configured to generate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

apply a high-frequency power of a predetermined magnitude to a working coil, such as a copper coil, to generate a magnetic field around the working coil, and magnetic induction from the magnetic field may cause an eddy current to be generated in an adjacent pot made of a certain metals so that the pot itself is heated due to electrical resistance from the eddy current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

magnetic induction from the magnetic field may cause an eddy current to be generated in an adjacent pot made of a certain metals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 4

the pot itself is heated due to electrical resistance from the eddy current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11006485B2Induction heating device
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11006485B2 patent drawing
  • US11006485B2 patent drawing
  • US11006485B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an induction heating device. A loaded-object sensor according to the present disclosure is arranged concentrically and centrally in the working coil. Thus, the sensing coil and the working coil are adjacent to each other. When a current for the heating operation is applied to the working coil, an induction voltage is generated in the sensing coil by magnetic force generated by the current applied to the working coil. According to the present disclosure, a limiting circuit is used to reduce the induction voltage generated in the sensing coil when the heating operation of the working coil is performed.