Induction Hob Coil Arrangement for Pan Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern induction hobs with distributed induction heating coils face challenges in detecting the position and size of pans with sufficient accuracy and efficiency, often requiring additional sensors to define heating zones and ensure uniform heating.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob features a configuration of rectangular induction heating coils and inductively operating sensor coils arranged under the hob plate, with sensor coils placed between and above the heating coils to detect pan presence and position, allowing for precise determination of pan placement and size, enabling efficient formation of common cooking zones without gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are distributed on the induction hob to detect pan position, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and component expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating coils serve dual functions: both heating the pan and detecting pan presence through their inherent sensing capability. This eliminates the need for separate sensor coils, reducing component expenditure while maintaining detection accuracy across the cooking surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating coils perform self-detection of pan presence by monitoring their own operational parameters. The system uses the coils' inherent electrical characteristics to detect pan placement, allowing the heating elements to serve their own detection needs without external sensors.
2Area of stationary object
If induction heating coils are arranged close together to form continuous cooking zones, then heating coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking surface is divided into multiple discrete heating coil zones that can be independently positioned. Each coil operates as an independent unit, allowing flexible arrangement to achieve continuous coverage without requiring extremely precise spacing between adjacent coils.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cooking surface can have different coil densities and configurations optimized for local requirements. Edge regions may have different spacing compared to central regions, allowing continuous coverage while accommodating manufacturing tolerances in different areas.
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 allows for accurate detection of pan placement and size, enabling efficient heating of pans, including large ones, with reduced component expenditure and improved detection accuracy, while maintaining close coil proximity for effective heating.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensor coils are arranged under the hob plate. These sensor coils advantageously operate inductively in order to detect the presence of a pan above them
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of induction heating coils which are arranged under the hob plate
Data Source
AI summary
An induction hob has a hob plate, a plurality of induction heating coils arranged under the hob plate and a plurality of sensor coils arranged under the hob plate. The induction heating coils are rectangular, wherein at least two induction heating coils are arranged one behind the other and at least three induction heating coils are arranged one next to the other. Two adjacent induction heating coils form an adjacent region with one another in which the two induction heating coils lie with their adjacent sides. At least one sensor coil is arranged in each adjacent region, wherein precisely a single sensor coil is provided in a spacing direction from the one induction heating coil to the adjacent induction heating coil.