Induction Hob Configuration Unit Bridging Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hob devices face inefficiencies in power delivery and component complexity, leading to higher costs and reduced flexibility in operating modes.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob device incorporates a configuration unit with multiple input and output connections, switches, and bridging elements that allow inverters to operate in parallel, particularly in boost mode, enabling high power output while reducing switch requirements through a bridging element that connects input and output connections independently of switch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to connect inverters in parallel without bridging elements, then switching flexibility is provided, but switch complexity and current requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging element acts as an intermediary component that permanently connects the first input terminal to the second output terminal, eliminating the need for switches to handle high currents. This mediator approach reduces switch complexity while maintaining parallel operation capability, as the bridging element handles the continuous connection that would otherwise require complex switching arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is segmented into fixed connections (bridging element) and controllable connections (switches). By separating the permanent bridging connection from the controllable switching paths, the system achieves simplified switch requirements while maintaining operational flexibility through the configuration unit's switching positions.
2Power
If high power output is achieved through parallel inverter operation, then output power increases, but current requirements through switching components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging element serves as a low-current intermediary path that connects input and output terminals without requiring high current capacity. This allows the inverters to operate in parallel for high power output while the bridging element handles only control-level currents, significantly reducing the current burden on switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using switches to create the permanent connection path for high currents, the invention inverts the approach by using a bridging element for the permanent connection and reserves switches only for controllable, lower-current configuration changes. This inversion of the traditional switching architecture reduces current requirements through switching components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used for configuration unit, then operating mode flexibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration unit with multiple switching positions provides multi-functionality, enabling the system to operate in different modes (single inverter, parallel inverters, boost mode) without requiring separate dedicated switches for each mode. This universal configuration approach reduces the total number of switches needed while maintaining operating mode flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging element acts as a permanent intermediary connection that simplifies the switching architecture. By providing a fixed connection path, it reduces the number of switches required to achieve various operating modes, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity while preserving configurability through the remaining switches.
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 configuration achieves high electrical and economic efficiency, allowing for high output power with lower current requirements, reducing switch complexity and costs, and enhancing flexibility in operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical unit that generates an oscillating electrical signal, preferably with a frequency of at least 1 kHz, in particular at least 10 kHz, advantageously at least 20 kHz, and in particular at most 100 kHz, for at least one heating element
Implementation Method 2
A first group has heating elements 26a and a second group has heating elements 28a... each heating element defines a separate, independent heating zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention proceeds from a hob apparatus (10), in particular an induction hob apparatus, having at least one configuration unit (12a-b) which has at least two input connections (14a-b, 16a-b) which are each intended to form a connection with at least one inverter (18a-b, 20a-b), has at least two output connections (22a-b, 24a-b) which are each intended to form a connection to at least one heating element (26a-b, 28a-b), and has at least one switch (30a-b) which is connected to a first input connection (14a-b) of the at least two input connections (14a-b, 16a-b) and at least to a first output connection (22a-b) of the at least two output connections (22a-b, 24a-b) and which is intended to operate the at least two inverters (18a-b, 20a-b) parallel to at least one of the at least two heating elements (26a-b, 28a-b) in at least one operating state. In order to provide an apparatus of this generic type with improved properties in respect of a high degree of efficiency, it is proposed that the at least one configuration unit (12a-b) has at least one bridging element (34a-b) which is intended to connect the first input connection (14a-b) and a second output connection (24a-b) of the at least two output connections (22a-b, 24a-b) to one another independently of a switching position of the at least one switch.