Induction Hob Coil Coded Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction hobs face challenges in reliably recognizing and identifying cooking vessels on their heating areas, particularly in accurately assigning energy transmission to the correct vessel and detecting changes in vessel position.

Innovation Solution

The method involves each induction heating coil transmitting energy in a coded pattern, which is received by the cooking vessel's transmitting device and sent to a receiving device on the hob or external control, allowing for precise assignment of energy transmission to the correct vessel and detection of vessel position changes through varying amplitude, duration, or number of energy transfers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple induction heating coils transmit energy simultaneously to detect cooking vessels, then detection speed is improved, but signal assignment accuracy deteriorates due to interference between coils

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsignal assignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling multiple induction heating coils to transmit energy in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. Each coil is activated in turns during the detection phase, allowing the system to maintain fast detection speeds while avoiding signal interference. The controller manages the timing so that only one coil transmits at a time during vessel detection, ensuring accurate signal assignment to the correct heating zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If coded energy transmission patterns are used to identify cooking vessels, then vessel identification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevessel identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the transmission characteristics of the induction heating coils to create coded patterns. The controller modifies parameters such as the duration, amplitude, or sequence of energy transmission from different coils. Each heating zone's coil transmits with a unique code pattern during detection, enabling the receiving device to identify which specific zone has a cooking vessel. This approach achieves accurate vessel identification while keeping the system relatively simple by using variations in existing transmission parameters rather than adding entirely new identification hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are inserted into cooking vessels for precise temperature control, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sensor installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of inserting physical temperature sensors into cooking vessels with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The induction heating coils themselves are used to transmit coded signals that enable identification and tracking of cooking vessels without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for users to install sensors while maintaining the capability for precise control through wireless or contactless detection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the induction heating coil and controller to automatically detect and identify cooking vessels through coded energy transmission patterns. The vessel detection and identification process occurs automatically without requiring user intervention for sensor installation or configuration. The controller autonomously manages the coded transmission sequences and interprets the responses to determine vessel presence and position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable recognition and assignment of cooking vessels to specific induction heating coils, allowing for precise control of heating and monitoring of cooking processes, with the ability to quickly detect vessel presence or movement, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

Each induction heating coil (16a, 16b) has a heating area (17a, 17b) formed by an area above it corresponding to the size of the induction heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each induction heating coil is designed to transmit energy for heating a cooking vessel (27) in the heating area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

Each induction heating coil is designed to transmit energy for heating a cooking vessel (27) in the heating area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

Each cooking vessel has a transmitting device with a transmitting antenna for transmitting a signal that depends on the energy received or the type of energy transmitted from an induction heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3668274B1Method to control an induction cooking plate
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3668274B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3668274B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3668274B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To detect whether a cookware with integrated controls or intelligence is positioned above an induction heating coil on an induction cooktop, the heating coils emit a short, unique code. This code can be recognized and interpreted by the cookware, which then sends out a corresponding signal. This signal is received by an external control unit or the induction cooktop itself, allowing it to be located at the correct heating coil.