Induction Hob Coil Control for Audible Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooking hobs with flexible cooking zones face challenges in setting appropriate power levels and often generate audible interference due to frequency differences between adjacent induction coils.
Innovation Solution
The induction cooking hob features at least three induction coils with dedicated generators, controlled by a unit that allows independent power adjustment and cycling patterns to minimize frequency differences and ensure balanced power distribution, preventing audible interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple induction coils are activated simultaneously with different power levels, then flexible cookware placement and independent power control are achieved, but audible interference is generated due to frequency differences between adjacent coils
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic cycling patterns that alternately activate and deactivate induction coils in a timed sequence. Instead of maintaining continuous simultaneous operation of multiple coils at different powers, the system uses periodic on/off cycles to distribute the total power demand across time, ensuring that the sum of instant powers equals the sum of requested powers while avoiding sustained frequency conflicts that cause audible interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state and power level of individual induction coils based on real-time conditions. The control unit modifies which coils are active and at what power levels during operation, transitioning between different cycling patterns to maintain balanced power distribution across all coils while preventing audible interference through continuous adaptation of the operating state.
2Ease of operation
If multiple induction coils are operated at different power levels, then independent power setting for each coil is achieved, but the difference in instant powers generates audible interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses periodic cycling patterns to distribute power demand across time rather than maintaining constant power differences. By alternating activation of coils with different requested powers according to predetermined cycles, the system achieves independent power control while ensuring that the temporal distribution of instant powers prevents sustained frequency differences that would generate audible interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (activation state and power level) of individual induction coils dynamically based on their position and requested power. The control unit adjusts which coils are active and at what power levels during operation, modifying parameters in real-time to maintain balanced power distribution while preventing audible interference through parameter adaptation.
3Power
If the sum of instant powers of activated induction coils is controlled to equal the sum of requested powers, then balanced power distribution is achieved, but complex control algorithms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit stores multiple predefined cycling patterns in memory, each representing a predetermined sequence of coil activations and deactivations. Before operation begins, the system selects an appropriate cycling pattern from this pre-stored library based on the total requested power and cooking requirements. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation, as the control algorithm simply needs to select and execute the appropriate pre-planned pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting from multiple pre-stored cycling patterns with different characteristics. Instead of calculating optimal power distribution in real-time, the control unit adjusts which pre-defined pattern is active and modifies timing parameters within that pattern to match the current cooking requirements, simplifying the control algorithm while maintaining balanced power distribution.
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 flexible cookware placement and independent power setting for each coil, reducing audible interference by managing power and frequency variations within acceptable limits, ensuring efficient and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
induction cooking hob (10) including at least one cooking area (12) (14)
Implementation Method 2
each induction coil of the cooking area is associated with a dedicated induction generator (16)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) including at least one cooking area (12), wherein the cooking area (12) comprises at least three induction coils (14). The induction coils (14) of at least one cooking area (12) are arranged side-by-side and in series. Each induction coil (14) of at least one cooking area (12) has an elongated shape. The longitudinal axes of the induction coils (14) within one cooking area (12) are arranged in parallel. Each induction coil (14) of the cooking area (12) is associated with a dedicated induction generator (16). The induction generators (16) are connected or connectable to at least one current line (18). The induction generators (16) are connected to and controlled or controllable by at least one control unit (20). Requested powers (rP) for each used induction generator (16) are adjusted or adjustable independent from each other by a user interface (22). Instant powers (iP) of the induction generators (16) within a cycle pattern (T1, T2, . . . , T11) are controlled or controllable independent from each other by the control unit (20). Further, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a cooking area.