Induction Hob Cookware Detection via Parasitic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting cookware on induction hobs are complex and require interrupting cooking processes, necessitating the development of a more efficient and continuous detection method.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes parasitic electromagnetic coupling effects between active and inactive induction heating coils to detect cookware presence, movement, and changes, eliminating the need for separate detection coils and allowing continuous operation without interrupting heating processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detection coils are used to detect cookware presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and detection function into a single induction heating coil system. The same coil that generates electromagnetic fields for heating also serves as a detection sensor by monitoring changes in its electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) when cookware is present. This eliminates the need for separate detection coils and reduces device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the heating element that generates electromagnetic fields for cooking and as a sensor that detects cookware presence through changes in its electrical properties. This multi-functionality approach reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used to detect cookware, then detection capability is achieved, but cooking process interruption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous cookware detection during the entire cooking process by monitoring the electrical characteristics of the active induction heating coil in real-time. The control unit continuously measures impedance and resonant frequency changes, allowing the system to detect cookware presence, movement, or removal without interrupting the heating process, thus maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the electrical characteristics of the induction heating coil and using this information to detect cookware status. The control unit processes the measured impedance and frequency changes to determine cookware presence and adjusts heating accordingly, providing real-time feedback without process interruption.
3Reliability
If multiple detection coils are deployed to improve detection coverage, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function into the existing heating coil infrastructure, using the same coil for both heating and sensing purposes. This approach improves detection reliability through continuous monitoring during cooking while avoiding the manufacturing complexity and cost associated with installing and calibrating multiple separate detection coils.
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 immediate detection of cookware changes and adaptive heating power adjustment, reducing complexity and 'click' noise, while maintaining continuous cooking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating coil shall be understood, and be configured to be operable in order to inductively heat cookware placed on the cooking face
Implementation Method 2
Each of the induction heating coils as required for the proposed method is adapted and configured for inductively heating, in the activated state, cookware placed on the induction hob face
Implementation Method 3
signals generated by at least one active, i.e. activated, induction heating coil through the action of parasitic electromagnetic coupling effects in at least one inactive, i.e. deactivated, induction heating coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting cookware (3) on an induction hob (1) including a plurality of induction heating coils (2) each being adapted for heating, in the activated state, cookware (3) placed on the induction hob (1). With the method, detecting cookware (3) is based on signals generated by at least one active induction heating coil (4) through the action of parasitic electromagnetic coupling effects in at least one inactive induction heating coil (6).