Induction Hob Coil Unique Identifier Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction hobs face errors in addressing multiple induction coils, leading to incorrect identification and activation of heating elements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for assigning unique identifiers to each hob induction coil through a communication link, where a programming device generates and transmits identifiers to the coils, which are then stored in the induction hob's memory, ensuring unambiguous addressing and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hob induction coils are addressed by connecting each coil with a specific connector at the electronic power board, then the coils can be controlled individually, but connection errors may occur leading to wrong addressing of coils

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoil addressingVSAvoidaddressing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector-based addressing system with an inductive communication system. A programming device with a programming coil transmits unique identifiers to hob induction coils wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, eliminating physical connectors and their associated connection errors. The unique identifier is stored in the hob's memory for reliable coil identification without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a programming device as an intermediary between the control system and the hob induction coils. This programming device contains a programming coil that establishes an inductive communication link with the target hob coil, serving as a mediator to transfer unique identifiers without direct electrical connection, thereby preventing connection errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hob induction coils are addressed simultaneously through the electronic power board, then the system can handle multiple coils, but the complexity of connection and signal handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-coil handlingVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the addressing process into individual coil operations. Each hob induction coil is assigned a unique identifier through separate inductive communication sessions using the programming device. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple coils without increasing connection complexity, as each coil is addressed independently through wireless identification rather than complex multi-point electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If unique identifiers are transmitted to hob induction coils through inductive communication, then connection errors are minimized, but the time required for identifier assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaddressing accuracyVSAvoididentifier assignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating unique identifiers in the programming device before the actual assignment process. The programming device maintains a repository of unique identifiers and retrieves the appropriate identifier before establishing the inductive communication link with the hob coil. This preparation reduces the time required during the actual identifier transmission and assignment phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach provides error-resilient and efficient addressing of induction coils, allowing for precise localization and control of heating elements, reducing hardware and signal handling effort, and enabling time-saving identifier assignment.

Implementation Method 1

the hob induction coil is used as receiving coil for receiving electromagnetic radiation comprising identifier information transmitted by the device induction coil (transmitting coil). In other words, the hob induction coil is used in a deactivated state as receiving coil by inducing an electric signal comprising information regarding the unique identifier.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10187932B2Method and device for providing a unique identifier to a hob induction coil

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES

AI summary

A method for assigning a unique identifier to a hob induction coil of an induction hob including a plurality of hob induction coils, the method including the steps of: placing one or more device induction coils of a device above one or more hob induction coils such that at least one device induction coil and at least one hob induction coil are facing each other; establishing a communication link between the device induction coil and the hob induction coil, wherein information regarding a unique identifier is transmitted to the hob induction coil by the device induction coil; and receiving information regarding the unique identifier by the hob induction coil and storing the identifier associated with the hob induction coil within a memory of the induction hob.