Induction Hob Control Entity for Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs require current transducers to determine peak current and power factor, increasing the total costs and footprint of the power circuit board.
Innovation Solution
An induction hob that replaces the current transducer with a control entity capable of calculating peak current and power factor using mathematical approaches based on available power circuit information, reducing costs and footprint by eliminating the need for a current transducer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current transducer is used to determine peak current and power factor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current measurement function from a dedicated current transducer and relocates it to the control entity's calculation unit. The control entity calculates peak current and power factor by processing voltage signals already present in the circuit, eliminating the need for a separate current transducer component while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control entity is given a dual function: it continues to control the power circuit operation while simultaneously performing current measurement and power factor calculation through mathematical processing of available voltage signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement hardware.
2Measurement precision
If a current transducer is used to determine peak current and power factor, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the current transducer component from the bill of materials and extracts its measurement function to be performed computationally. This elimination of hardware components directly reduces manufacturing costs while the control entity's calculation capabilities maintain the necessary measurement precision for power factor determination.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a physical current transducer, the system creates a virtual copy of the current measurement function through mathematical calculation. The control entity computes equivalent current values by processing voltage waveforms, providing the same measurement information without the associated hardware cost.
3Device complexity
If voltage signals are processed mathematically to determine current values, then device complexity is reduced, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces voltage signals as an intermediary medium. Instead of directly measuring current, the system measures voltage (which is easier and already available) and uses this voltage information as an intermediary to calculate the current values and power factor through mathematical relationships in the control entity.
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
The solution effectively reduces the complexity and cost of the power circuit by using existing resources like microprocessors to calculate peak current and power factor values, thereby minimizing the overall circuit size.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction coil placed below a hob plate in order to heat a piece of cookware
Implementation Method 2
Induction hobs for preparing food are well known in prior art. Induction hobs typically comprise at least one induction coil placed below a hob plate in order to heat a piece of cookware
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an induction hob comprising a circuitry (1a) for powering at least one induction coil (6), the circuitry (1a) comprising a power circuit portion (7) with at least one switching element (4, 5) adapted to provide pulsed electric power to said induction coil (6) and an oscillating circuit portion (9), said induction coil (6) being electrically coupled with said power circuit portion (7) and said oscillating circuit (9), wherein said induction hob comprises a control entity (10), said control entity (10) being configured to receive first information correlated with a first voltage provided at said power circuit portion (7) and second information correlated with a second voltage correlated with said oscillating circuit (9), said control entity (10) being further configured to calculate information regarding a peak value and a power factor of the electric current provided through said induction coil (6) based on said received first and second information.