Induction Hob Coil Stacking for Uniform Thermal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction hobs face inefficiencies in power distribution, installation space, component efficiency, and cost efficiency, with existing designs often resulting in non-uniform thermal distribution and increased magnetic interferences.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob device features a configuration where second coil portions are located between first and further coil portions, with optimized spatial arrangements and overlapping areas to enhance power distribution and thermal uniformity, utilizing a retainer unit and control unit for efficient operation and reduced magnetic interferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inductors are arranged in-plane and distanced from each other, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but power distribution efficiency deteriorates and thermal distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional in-plane (2D) inductor arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where coil portions are arranged at different vertical levels. Second coil portions are positioned between first and further first coil portions in the vertical dimension, enabling improved power distribution efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where second coil portions are embedded within the vertical space between first and further first coil portions. This nesting approach allows multiple inductors to occupy overlapping horizontal footprints at different vertical levels, increasing power distribution efficiency without increasing the horizontal installation footprint.
2Area of stationary object
If inductors are arranged in-plane and distanced from each other, then installation space requirements are reduced, but thermal distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical stacking to achieve better thermal distribution uniformity without increasing horizontal installation space. By arranging coil portions at different vertical levels with controlled overlapping, the magnetic fields interact to produce more uniform heating patterns across the cooktop surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning second coil portions specifically in regions where thermal enhancement is needed. The overlapping areas between different coil portions are strategically designed to create localized magnetic field interactions that improve thermal distribution uniformity in specific zones of the cooktop.
3Productivity
If coil portions are arranged with overlapping configurations, then power efficiency and thermal uniformity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inductor system into distinct first and second coil portions that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation allows for standardized modular components with controlled overlapping, improving power efficiency while managing device complexity through modular design and standardized interfaces.
4Area of stationary object
If second coil portions are located between first and further first coil portions, then installation space efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing complexity issue by moving the complex overlapping arrangement to the vertical dimension rather than the horizontal plane. Second coil portions are positioned between first and further first coil portions in the vertical stack, achieving high installation space efficiency while allowing each coil portion to be manufactured as a standard component.
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 improves power efficiency, installation space efficiency, cost efficiency, and flexibility, achieving uniform thermal distribution and reduced magnetic interferences, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective induction hob design.
Implementation Method 1
the inductor is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which is converted into heat in a bottom of a cooking utensil by means of eddy currents and/or magnetization and demagnetization effects
Implementation Method 2
the inductor is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which is converted into heat in a bottom of a cooking utensil by means of eddy currents and/or magnetization and demagnetization effects
Implementation Method 3
the inductor is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which is converted into heat in a bottom of a cooking utensil by means of eddy currents and/or magnetization and demagnetization effects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an induction hob device comprising at least one cooktop (10a-10i), at least one first inductor (12a –12i) having at least one first coil portion (14a; 14d) and at least one further first coil portion (16a; 16d), and at least one second inductor (18a –18i) having at least one second coil portion (20a; 20d). In order to improve an efficiency,it is proposed that the second coil portion (20a; 20d) is at least partly located between the first coil portion (14a; 14d) and the further first coil portion (16a; 16d).