Induction Hob Coil Reconfiguration for Multi-Container Heating Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs struggle to efficiently heat a variety of cooking containers with non-standard shapes and different impedances, particularly when multiple containers are randomly placed on the surface, due to inefficiencies in power delivery and unbalanced heating caused by parallel or series coil configurations.
Innovation Solution
An induction hob with a configurable topology, utilizing a single frequency converter and adjustable switches and capacitors to connect induction coils in parallel or series, allowing dynamic reconfiguration during heating to achieve balanced power distribution and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If induction coils are connected in parallel configuration, then power delivery capability is improved, but heating balance deteriorates when multiple containers are randomly placed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of coil connections between parallel and series configurations based on real-time detection of container placement. The system transitions from a static parallel configuration to a dynamic system that adapts its topology, allowing optimal heating balance while maintaining power delivery capability through configurable switching mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If induction coils are connected in series configuration, then heating balance is improved, but power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel coil configurations based on the number and position of detected containers. When containers are randomly placed, series connection provides balanced heating; when single or fewer containers are detected, parallel connection maximizes power delivery. This dynamic adaptation resolves the trade-off between heating balance and power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series/parallel configuration) of the induction coils based on operating conditions. By detecting container placement and adjusting the connection topology accordingly, the system optimizes both power delivery and heating balance for different cooking scenarios.
3Device complexity
If a single frequency converter is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different container configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single frequency converter is designed with multi-functionality to operate with induction coils in both parallel and series configurations. The converter can adapt its output characteristics to match different coil topologies, enabling one device to serve multiple heating scenarios (single container, multiple containers, random placement) without requiring separate converters for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the coil connections controlled by the single frequency converter based on real-time container detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the converter to maintain optimal performance across different container configurations, achieving versatility equivalent to multiple dedicated converters while using only one device.
4Device complexity
If fixed coil configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to heat non-standard shaped containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of induction coil connections (parallel/series switching) based on detected container placement and shape characteristics. This allows the system to adapt to non-standard shaped containers and random placements by optimizing the heating pattern, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through a single frequency converter and switching mechanism.
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 enables efficient and balanced heating of multiple cooking containers by dynamically adjusting coil connections and resonant frequencies, maintaining optimal power distribution and reducing overheating risks, thus addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
induction hob
Implementation Method 2
induction hob
Implementation Method 3
first capacitive element as to form a first resonant circuit
Implementation Method 4
first resonant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Induction hob provided with a frequency converter and parallel branches, departing from the output of the converter. Each branch includes a switch and an inductor. The hob also comprises a configurable contact to enable an electrical connection of a first intermediate terminal between the first inductor and the first switch in the first branch (A) and a second intermediate terminal between the second inductor and the second switch in the second branch. The hob, depending on the configuration of the switches, can operate each of the two inductors alone, or in parallel connection, or in series connection.