Device for heating and/or cooling a metal object
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction cooktops face challenges in precisely measuring the temperature of vessels, leading to inefficient cooking, potential damage to vessels, and suboptimal energy management.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a distinct measuring sensor with multiple measuring coils connected in series or parallel, positioned to magnetically couple with the metal portion of the vessel, and an electronic device that supplies an alternating voltage at a predefined frequency to measure resistance and inductance, allowing for precise temperature estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heating coil is used to measure temperature by interrupting voltage supply, then temperature measurement is possible, but the design becomes complex and heating becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heating function and temperature measurement function into two distinct coils: a heating coil for continuous heating and a separate measuring coil for temperature sensing. This segmentation eliminates the complexity of dual-function control while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring coil serves multiple purposes: it detects temperature through its electrical characteristics and also provides a means for continuous monitoring without interrupting the heating process. This multi-functionality is achieved through dedicated measurement circuitry that reads coil parameters rather than using the coil for both heating and sensing.
2Productivity
If a measuring coil is positioned at the centre of the heating coil, then heating can be uniform and continuous, but temperature measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrical characteristics (impedance, inductance, resistance) of the measuring coil as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature, the system measures changes in the coil's electrical properties which correlate with temperature, providing more precise measurement while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in the measuring coil's electrical parameters (impedance, inductance, resistance) as temperature varies. By tracking these parameter changes rather than relying on direct temperature sensing, the system achieves higher measurement precision while maintaining continuous heating through the separate heating coil.
3Device complexity
If the heating coil is used for both heating and temperature sensing, then device structure is simplified, but heating becomes discontinuous and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic coil system into two separate components: a dedicated heating coil for continuous energy delivery and a separate measuring coil for temperature sensing. This physical segmentation allows both coils to operate simultaneously without interference, ensuring continuous heating while enabling accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring coil serves itself by using its own electrical characteristics as the sensing mechanism. The coil's impedance, inductance, and resistance naturally change with temperature, providing self-contained temperature information without requiring external sensors or interrupting the heating process.
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 more precise temperature measurement of metal objects, improving cooking efficiency, protecting vessels from excessive temperatures, and optimizing energy consumption, while being relatively easy to produce and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one measuring coil (9) is positioned in such a way as to magnetically couple to the metal portion of the vessel (2)
Implementation Method 2
the heating coil generates a variable electromagnetic field. That electromagnetic field generates induced currents in the ferromagnetic bottom portion of the vessel which produce heat due to the Joule effect
Implementation Method 3
induced currents in the ferromagnetic bottom portion of the vessel which produce heat due to the Joule effect
Data Source
AI summary
Device (1) for heating a metal object, such as a vessel (2) having a metal portion, which comprises: a resting portion for supporting the metal object; heating means (5); a measuring sensor (8) for estimating a temperature of the metal object, comprising at least one measuring coil (9) and an electronic device (10). The measuring coil (9) is part of an electrical circuit. The electronic device (10) is connected to the electrical circuit to supply it with an alternating voltage at a predefined frequency that is between 100 kHz and 500 KHz and to measure a resistance of the electrical circuit supplied in this way.