Induction Hob Bridging Mode Control for Cookware Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs automatically combine adjacent cooking zones when cookware is detected, requiring users to reset all power levels if different cookware items are added, which is inconvenient and often results in unintended heating levels.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob detects cookware presence and allows users to individually select power levels for adjacent zones, with an option to manually select a bridging mode for combined operation, adapting to the size and shape of cookware and maintaining the bridging mode until explicitly switched off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjacent cooking zones are automatically combined when cookware is detected, then the appliance can efficiently heat large cookware spanning multiple zones, but the user loses individual control over power levels for each zone and must reset all settings when adding new cookware
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic bridging mode and manual individual control mode based on user interaction. When cookware is detected on adjacent zones, the system initially combines them for efficient heating, but allows users to later separate and independently control each zone's power level through the user interface, providing both automatic adaptability and manual flexibility throughout the cooking process
Solution Approach 2:
The control system segments the power level settings for each cooking zone independently while maintaining the ability to combine zones for bridged operation. This allows the appliance to function as multiple independent zones when needed and as a combined zone when needed, with each zone retaining its own detectable cookware presence and power level controls
2Ease of operation
If the system requires manual selection of bridging mode, then users maintain control over when to combine zones, but the system becomes more complex with additional user interface options
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects cookware presence on adjacent cooking zones and presents the bridging option to the user without requiring manual configuration. The detection mechanism automatically identifies when zones should potentially be combined, and the user interface automatically manages the transition between modes based on simple user selections, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining 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 enhances user friendliness by allowing precise control over power levels for each zone and enabling efficient operation of multiple cookware items simultaneously, reducing unnecessary power consumption and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
an induction hob, which comprises a plurality of induction coils that are located below a glass ceramic plate
Implementation Method 2
Based on a detection of cookware placed on the induction coils, a plurality of induction coils can be operated as a combined cooking zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application is concerned with a cooking appliance comprising: - a plurality of cooking zones (12; 28, 30); - means for detecting whether cookware is present in the cooking zones; and - a user interface (14)for setting a power level for each of the cooking zones (12; 28, 30), and for selecting whether at least two cooking zones are operated independently or as a combined cooking zone. In accordance with one aspect of the present application the cooking appliance is configured to detect upon power-up of the cooking appliance whether cookware is present in the cooking zones (12; 28, 30), and if it is detected that cookware is present in at least two adjacent cooking zones, the user interface (14) presents input means for individually selecting a power level for each of the adjacent cooking zones, and further presents input means for selecting a bridging mode for operating adjacent cooking zones as a combined cooking zone.