Induction Hob Control for Adaptive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices lack flexibility and comfort in heat distribution, particularly when handling varying sizes and positions of cooking utensils, leading to inefficient heating processes and operator dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
The hob device features a control unit that automatically switches between sub-operating modes based on the occupancy of heating elements, allowing for different heating power densities and independent operation of heating elements, enabling adaptable heat distribution and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single heating element is used with fixed heating power, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different cooking utensil sizes and positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple independent segments (first heating element, second heating element, third heating element, fourth heating element) arranged in a row. Each segment can be independently controlled by the control unit to provide different heating power densities, allowing adaptation to various cooking utensil sizes and positions without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the heating element are assigned different heating power densities based on local requirements. The control unit adjusts the heating power of each segment individually to match the position and size of the cooking utensil, optimizing heat distribution locally rather than using uniform heating across the entire element.
2Productivity
If uniform heating power density is applied across all heating elements, then the control system is simple, but the heating efficiency and energy utilization are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the heating power density of each heating element segment based on real-time detection of cooking utensil position and size. This dynamic control optimizes heating efficiency by concentrating energy where needed while reducing energy consumption in areas without utensils, overcoming the limitations of static uniform heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection means to monitor the position and size of cooking utensils on the cooking surface. The control unit receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts the heating power density of each segment accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves heating efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heating element operates in a single mode, then the operation is simple, but the versatility for different cooking tasks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element system is designed to perform multiple cooking functions through a single unified structure. By combining multiple independently controllable segments with automated control, the system can adapt to various cooking tasks (heating, cooking, keeping warm) without requiring separate dedicated elements for each function, thus achieving multi-functionality while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically detects the cooking utensil configuration and selects appropriate heating modes and power densities without requiring manual intervention from the user. This self-service capability allows the system to handle different cooking tasks automatically, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatile functionality.
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 provides a high level of comfort and flexibility by ensuring efficient heat distribution and energy savings, allowing for faster heating and the ability to handle both cooking and keeping food warm, regardless of utensil size.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heating element is intended to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.
Implementation Method 2
The induction heating element is intended to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.
Implementation Method 3
The induction heating element is intended to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.
Implementation Method 4
A 'heating element' is to be understood in particular as an element which is intended to, at least in one operating mode, transfer electrical energy at least to a large extent to a cooking utensil, preferably through at least one base body forming a cooking surface, and/or electrical energy into heat to convert
Implementation Method 5
A 'heating element' is to be understood in particular as an element which is intended to, at least in one operating mode, transfer electrical energy at least to a large extent to a cooking utensil, preferably through at least one base body forming a cooking surface
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a generic device having improved characteristics with regard to a high level of convenience for an operator and/or a substantial flexibility. According to the invention a cooking hob device (10), in particular an induction cooking hob device, has at least one heating arrangement (38, 40) which comprise at least two heating elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) disposed adjacent to one another and are provided at least for heating cookware (28) placed on the hob device. The cooking hob device (10) according to the invention has at least one control unit (30) which is provided in order to switch automatically at least between a first sub-mode of operation and a second sub-mode of operation in at least one basic mode of operation, which basic mode of operation can be activated by an operator. In the basic mode of operation the control unit (30) is provided to select the first sub-mode of operation when a small number of heating elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) are occupied by cookware (28) placed thereon, in which first sub-mode of operation covered heating elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) are operated in dependence of a position of the cookware (28) placed thereon, and to select the second sub-mode of operation, which differs from the first sub-mode of operation, when at least a majority of the heating elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) is occupied by cookware (28) placed thereon.