Induction Hob Coil Segmentation for Pot Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating hobs face challenges in aligning pots of different sizes and shapes to maximize energy transfer, as well as inefficiencies in energy use due to the need for precise alignment and interference between induction coils.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating arrangement featuring a larger central induction coil surrounded by smaller coils, with a selector device to control power supply, allowing for flexible adaptation to pot sizes and positions, and magnetic flux guiding elements to enhance energy transfer efficiency by concentrating magnetic field lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single large induction coil is used, then large pots can be heated, but small pots cannot be efficiently heated and energy transfer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system is divided into multiple independent coils (first induction coil and second induction coils) instead of using a single large coil. This segmentation allows selective operation of appropriate coils based on pot size, improving energy efficiency while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which coils to operate based on the detected pot size and position. The selector device configures the operating state of different coils in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to varying cooking requirements and maximize energy transfer efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple induction coils operate simultaneously, then coverage area increases, but electromagnetic interference between coils increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic configuration where the selector device determines which coils operate simultaneously based on pot position and size. This dynamic control prevents electromagnetic interference by ensuring that only non-overlapping or minimally overlapping coils are activated together, while still providing comprehensive heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector device acts as an intermediary that intelligently manages coil operation states. It prevents harmful electromagnetic interference by coordinating which coils are active at any given time, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining adequate heating coverage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If precise alignment of pots with induction coils is required, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple smaller coils are arranged in a pattern that provides overlapping heating zones. This segmentation allows pots of various sizes to be placed in different regions without requiring precise alignment, as each region has appropriate coil coverage, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement of multiple coils creates universal coverage across the heating surface, allowing different pot sizes and positions to be accommodated effectively. The system can serve multiple cooking scenarios with the same coil configuration, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency.
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
Enables flexible use with differently sized pots, reduces energy consumption by minimizing electromagnetic interference and losses, and optimizes energy transfer by focusing magnetic field lines where needed, thus improving usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
it is generally difficult to align pots of different sizes exactly to the field of an induction coil in order to maximize the energy transfer from the high-frequency electromagnetic field into the metallic pot
Implementation Method 2
energy transfer from the high-frequency electromagnetic field into the metallic pot
Implementation Method 3
energy transfer from the high-frequency electromagnetic field into the metallic pot
Implementation Method 4
magnetic flux guiding elements to enhance energy transfer efficiency by concentrating magnetic field lines
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention conceives an induction heating arrangement (1000) comprising four coils of a smaller diameter (1100, ..., 1400) and a coil having a larger diameter (1500). The coils are arranged on a first plane (2100) and on a second plane (2200). In order to adapt a cooking area (1600) to the size of a pot, either the larger coil (1500) or one or more of the smaller coils (1100, 1400) are operated. A power supply circuitry (2400) is shared between the coils of the two planes and a selector (2300) takes care of disconnecting a respective coil of the plane of coils that is not operated in order to avoid coupling and interference and loss of energy. The guiding elements of the magnetic flux (1110, 1115, 1540) are used to confine the magnetic field in the area of the pot. The method of operating the induction heating arrangement takes care of efficient energy use, and an induction hob (3000) includes the induction heating arrangement.