Induction heating type cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooktops are limited in heating efficiency for both magnetic and non-magnetic bodies, as they typically only heat magnetic materials, and existing solutions with intermediate heating elements suffer from reduced efficiency and overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating cooktop design includes multiple working coils and an inverter to control current direction and magnetic field distribution, allowing for efficient heating of both magnetic and non-magnetic bodies by adjusting the loop area and magnetic field concentration based on the type of cooking container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate heating element is added to heat non-magnetic bodies, then heating capability for non-magnetic bodies is improved, but heating efficiency for magnetic bodies deteriorates due to magnetic field coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling between the coil and intermediate heating element adjustable rather than fixed. The coupling force can be dynamically changed based on the type of cooking container detected, allowing the system to optimize magnetic field distribution in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high coupling for non-magnetic bodies (to heat the intermediate element) and low coupling for magnetic bodies (to heat the container directly).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of magnetic field coupling strength based on the detected container type. By adjusting the coupling parameter dynamically, the system can switch between two operating modes: strong coupling for non-magnetic bodies and weak coupling for magnetic bodies. This parameter adjustment resolves the technical contradiction by adapting the heating mechanism to the specific application requirements.
2Loss of energy
If coupling force between coil and intermediate heating element is reduced to improve magnetic body heating efficiency, then heating efficiency for magnetic bodies is improved, but heat output to non-magnetic body becomes very low or inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the coupling force between the coil and intermediate heating element based on real-time detection of container type. When a non-magnetic body is detected, the coupling force is increased to maximize heat output to the intermediate heating element. When a magnetic body is detected, the coupling force is reduced to minimize interference with direct heating. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between heating efficiency for magnetic bodies and heat output for non-magnetic bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate heating element serves multiple functions: it acts as a heating medium for non-magnetic bodies when coupling is strong, and as a non-interfering component when coupling is weak for magnetic body heating. The system's ability to adapt the intermediate element's role based on container type provides multi-functionality, resolving the power output contradiction for different heating scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate heating element is used to heat non-magnetic bodies, then heating capability is improved, but the upper plate becomes overheated when heating magnetic bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the coupling between the coil and intermediate heating element to prevent upper plate overheating. When a magnetic body is detected, the coupling is reduced, which minimizes heat generation in the intermediate heating element and prevents heat transfer to the upper plate. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by enabling non-magnetic body heating capability while preventing upper plate overheating during magnetic body heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate heating element acts as a controllable intermediary between the coil and the cooking container. By adjusting the coupling strength, the system can control whether the intermediate element actively participates in heating (for non-magnetic bodies) or remains passive (for magnetic bodies). This intermediary mechanism resolves the temperature contradiction by preventing unwanted heat transfer to the upper plate while maintaining heating versatility.
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 design enhances heating efficiency for both magnetic and non-magnetic bodies, reduces overheating, and provides flexibility in material and shape choices for the intermediate heating element, minimizing manufacturing costs and improving stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first working coil and a second working coil configured to generate magnetic fields passing through at least the object to be heated or the intermediate heating element
Implementation Method 2
when high-frequency power having a predetermined intensity is applied to a coil, eddy currents are generated in the object to be heated using magnetic fields generated around the coil so that the object is heated
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to control a first direction of first current flowing through the first working coil and a second direction of second current flowing through the second working coil
Implementation Method 4
the cooktop can include an intermediate heating element to which eddy currents are applied, and the non-magnetic body can be heated through the intermediate heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating type cooktop can include an upper plate configured to support an object to be heated, an intermediate heating element overlapping with the upper plate, a first working coil and a second working coil configured to generate magnetic fields that pass through at least one of the object or the intermediate heating element, and an inverter configured to control a first direction of first current flowing through the first working coil and a second direction of second current flowing through the second working coil. Also, an area of a loop generated by current induced in the intermediate heating element varies according to a type of the object.