Induction Hob Dynamic Heating Element Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction hob devices lack flexibility and comfort in managing heating elements based on the position of cooking utensils, leading to inefficient energy use and limited operator control over heating power densities.

Innovation Solution

A hob device with multiple induction heating elements and a control unit that detects the position of cooking utensils, adjusts heating power densities, and dynamically activates or deactivates elements to match the utensil's position, allowing for flexible positioning and customizable heat output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cooking utensil is moved from a first position to a second position on the hob device, then the heating element assignment changes, but the system lacks flexibility in adapting heating power density to different positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating element assignment flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic heating element assignment where the control unit automatically reconfigures which heating elements are active based on the detected position of the cooking utensil. When a utensil moves from a first position to a second position, the system dynamically switches between different heating element configurations, allowing the heating pattern to adapt in real-time to the utensil's location rather than being fixed to specific hob zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the heating elements based on position detection. The control unit adjusts heating power density parameters according to the detected utensil position, enabling different heating intensities at different locations on the hob surface. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the heating system flexible without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple heating elements are operated simultaneously to cover different positions, then heating coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating coverage efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating only the specific heating elements that are currently needed based on the detected utensil position, rather than operating all heating elements continuously. The control unit determines the minimum necessary heating coverage and activates only those elements, reducing energy waste while maintaining adequate heating performance. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient heating coverage without the excessive energy consumption of running all elements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the utensil position and independently determining which heating elements to activate without requiring manual user input. The control unit monitors the hob surface and autonomously configures the heating element assignment to match the current cooking needs, optimizing energy usage while maintaining heating coverage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the control unit continuously monitors and adjusts heating elements based on utensil position, then cooking comfort is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking comfortVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously detects the position of cooking utensils on the hob surface and uses this information to automatically adjust heating element assignment and power density. This closed-loop feedback system provides real-time adaptation to cooking conditions, significantly improving cooking comfort and convenience while keeping the control logic relatively simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it detects utensil positions, determines optimal heating element assignments, adjusts power density levels, and monitors cooking progress. This multi-functionality approach improves cooking comfort through comprehensive control while avoiding the need for separate specialized components that would increase system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances flexibility and comfort for operators by allowing adaptable heating based on utensil position, reducing energy consumption, and enabling efficient cooking processes with low costs.

Implementation Method 1

The induction heating element is provided to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The induction heating element is provided to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

The induction heating element is provided to convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, which are converted into heat.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic reversal effects: Magnetic Hysteresis

Implementation Method 4

which is intended to detect cooking utensil that has been set up, in particular by measuring at least one inductance and/or at least one capacitance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance measurement: Inductor

Implementation Method 5

which is intended to detect cooking utensil that has been set up, in particular by measuring at least one inductance and/or at least one capacitance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance measurement: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3028536B1Stove top device
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3028536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3028536B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3028536B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention proceeds from a stove top device (10a-c), particularly an induction stove top device, having at least two heating elements (12a-c) at least for heating positioned cookware (14a-c) and having at least one control unit (16a-c), which is provided in order to activate at least one first heating element (12a-c) allocated to a first position (18a-c) of a positioned piece of cookware (14a-c). In order to provide a device of the type in question having improved properties in respect of a high degree of flexibility and/or comfort for an operator, according to the invention the control unit (16a-c) is provided, for the case of a change from the first position (18a-c) of the cookware (14a-c) to a second position (20a-c) of the cookware (14a-c), to deactivate at least one first heating element (12a-c) allocated to the first position (18a-c) of the cookware (14a-c) and to activate at least one second heating element (12a-c) which is allocated to the second position (20a-c) of the cookware and has differing heat output density than the at least one first heating element (12a-c).