Induction Hob Boiling Detection With MEMS Vibration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking hobs face challenges in accurately detecting boiling states for multiple cooking vessels on induction hobs, leading to inefficient energy control and potential overcooking.
Innovation Solution
The use of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) acceleration sensor, combined with temperature detectors, to detect vibrations caused by boiling substances and control energy supply to each heating zone, ensuring precise boiling detection and continuous simmering across multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vibration sensor is used to detect boiling states, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when multiple cooking vessels are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task by segmenting the vibration sensor array into multiple independent sensing elements arranged in a matrix pattern. Each sensor monitors vibrations from its specific spatial zone, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple cooking vessels simultaneously. This segmentation enables precise identification of which vessel is boiling without requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple vibration sensors into a coordinated array system that works together to detect boiling states across multiple heating zones. By merging the capabilities of several sensors and processing their combined signals, the system achieves superior measurement precision compared to a single sensor, while still maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized sensor integration.
2Measurement precision
If vibration detection is performed with equal sensitivity across multiple heating zones, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning vibration sensors at specific locations corresponding to each heating zone, allowing each sensor to be optimized for its local detection task. The sensor array is configured with sensors placed in direct correspondence to heating zones, ensuring that each zone has dedicated sensing capability with equal sensitivity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical vibration sensor types across all positions in the array, making each sensor universal and interchangeable. This multi-functionality approach allows the same sensor design to serve multiple heating zones, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving uniform detection sensitivity across all zones through standardized sensor deployment.
3Productivity
If automated boiling detection and energy control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control by establishing a feedback loop where vibration sensor data is continuously monitored, analyzed for boiling patterns, and used to automatically adjust energy supply to heating zones. When boiling is detected, the system automatically reduces power to maintain simmering, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving cooking productivity through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by autonomously detecting boiling states and regulating its own energy consumption without external control. The vibration analysis and energy adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the hob itself, allowing the cooking appliance to manage its own operation, prevent overcooking, and maintain optimal cooking conditions automatically.
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 accurate detection of boiling substances across multiple cooking zones with equal sensitivity, allowing for efficient energy control to prevent overcooking and maintain simmering, enhancing cooking automation and user awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-electromechanical system, respectively an acceleration sensor to detect vibrations caused by bubbles forming inside of a heated substance
Implementation Method 2
detect vibrations caused by bubbles forming inside of a heated substance
Implementation Method 3
an induction coil associated to that cooking zone
Implementation Method 4
induction hob, an induction heating cooker
Data Source
AI summary
An induction cooking hob and a method for heating food as well as a computer program product are disclosed. Based on information of a micro-electromechanical system (1500) in combination with a temperature sensor associated to a heating zone, vibrations can be detected and a heating zone associated with the boiling substance can be properly discriminated from one supporting a pot having a non-boiling substance in it. Subsequent simmering of the substance can be automatically effected. An indication will be provided to a user (1680), and an automated function can be started (1610) including boiling and subsequent simmering, respectively indication of a boiling substance on any of the heating zones on an induction hob (1000).