Induction Hob Electronic Unit Dual Energy Source Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating devices face challenges in achieving space savings while maintaining performance, particularly in household appliances like induction hobs with multiple independent heating groups, as they require multiple power converters and complex energy management systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electronic unit that supplies five independent induction heating groups using a maximum of two different energy sources, with two heating frequency modules that generate high-frequency alternating current, allowing for flexible power distribution and reduced component count by eliminating the need for a third power converter, and featuring a control unit that assigns heating powers and operates in multiplex modes to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power converters are used to supply multiple induction heating groups, then the heating performance and reliability are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power converter functions into a single integrated power converter that can supply multiple induction heating groups. This single power converter incorporates multiple inverters and control circuits that can independently control each heating group, thereby reducing the overall device size while maintaining the reliability of supplying multiple heating zones simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple induction heating groups from a single energy source. It includes multiple inverters that can be independently controlled to provide appropriate power levels to each heating group, making the single power converter universal enough to replace multiple dedicated converters while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power converters are used to supply different energy sources, then the adaptability and energy distribution flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single power converter is designed with universal capability to handle multiple energy sources and distribute power flexibly to different induction heating groups. It incorporates multiple inverters and a control unit that can independently manage power distribution from each energy source to various heating groups, providing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated converters for each energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter employs dynamic control through a control unit that can adjust the operation of multiple inverters in real-time based on the available energy sources and heating demands. This dynamic capability allows the system to adaptively distribute power from different energy sources to different heating groups, providing energy distribution flexibility without the need for multiple static power converters.
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 solution achieves improved energy distribution, reduced size, and cost savings by using two energy sources to power five independent heating groups, while maintaining high performance and flexibility in heating zone assignment, allowing for efficient operation with variable cooking demands.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heating element is intended, in at least one operating state, to convert a power of at least 100 W into an alternating magnetic field, which is intended to be in a metallic and/or ferromagnetic heating means to be converted into heat by induction and/or magnetic reversal effects
Implementation Method 2
The alternating magnetic field is intended to be in a metallic and/or ferromagnetic heating means to be converted into heat by induction and/or magnetic reversal effects
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an induction heating device (12-12f), in particular an induction hob device, with at least five independent induction heating groups (20-20f, 22-22f, 24-24f, 26-26f, 28-28f, 52c-52f, 54e-54f, 56f) and an electronic unit (16-16f) which is provided to supply the induction heating groups (20-20f, 22-22f, 24-24f, 26-26f, 28-28f, 52c-52f, 54e-54f, 56f). In order to achieve component and/or cost savings, especially with sufficient power supply, it is proposed that the electronic unit (16-16f) be designed to supply the induction heating groups (20-20f, 22-22f, 24-24f, 26-26f, 28-28f, 52c-52f, 54e-54f, 56f) from a maximum of two different energy sources (30-30f, 40-40f).