Induction Hob IR Sensor Lateral Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs with freely positionable preparation containers face challenges in accurately sensing temperature using infrared sensors due to centrally placed discolorations or stamps on the container's base, and the small size of inductor coils impairs IR sensing performance, making it difficult to implement reliable temperature measurement without reducing inductor coil effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob features a plurality of inductor coils arranged below a preparation plate with IR sensors positioned laterally next to the coils, allowing for accurate temperature sensing without impairing the inductor coils' performance. This configuration includes IR sensors in gaps between coils and on the edges, enabling precise temperature measurement by detecting which sensors are covered by the preparation utensil, and using contact temperature sensors to correct for heating influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IR sensors are placed in the center of inductor coils for temperature sensing, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the recessed area significantly impairs the performance of the inductor coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the IR sensor from the vertical dimension (center of coil, requiring recess) to the horizontal dimension (edge of coil, lateral positioning). This allows the sensor to detect temperature through the side wall of the pot rather than through the center, eliminating the need for a recess that would impair coil performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the side wall of the preparation container as an intermediary medium. Instead of sensing directly through the bottom of the pot (which requires central placement and creates coil interference), the IR sensor detects thermal radiation from the heated side wall, providing temperature information without compromising coil performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many small inductor coils are used for free positioning, then adaptability is improved, but lateral IR temperature sensing becomes difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooking surface into multiple independent inductor coils, each capable of being activated independently. This segmentation allows flexible positioning of cookware over any active coil while maintaining the ability to sense temperature laterally at the edges of each coil segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional characteristics to different regions: the center of each inductor coil is optimized for heating performance, while the edges are positioned to accommodate IR sensors for temperature sensing. This local differentiation allows both high adaptability and effective temperature measurement.
3Measurement precision
If IR sensors are positioned to detect temperature accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of required sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions IR sensors at the edges of inductor coils where they can serve multiple purposes: detecting temperature for pots of various sizes and positions. A single edge-positioned sensor can accurately measure temperature for different cookware configurations, reducing the total number of sensors needed compared to requiring dedicated center sensors for each coil.
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 allows for reliable and accurate temperature sensing of freely positionable preparation containers on induction hobs, maintaining high inductor coil performance and reducing the number of required IR sensors, while ensuring precise temperature regulation and detection of overheating situations.
Implementation Method 1
an induction hob (1) with a sensor device (2), comprising a first sensor (3) for recording measured values to determine the temperature of a defined preparation zone on which a preparation container (Z) for receiving food can be placed
Implementation Method 2
induction cooking hob having an inductor coil field
Implementation Method 3
an IR sensor (4) designed to detect heat radiation from the preparation zone and the bottom of the preparation container (Z)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an induction cooking hob (1) which has an inductor coil field with a plurality of inductor coils (3, 3z) arranged below a preparation plate (2) for the free positioning of a preparation container (Z) on the preparation plate (2), wherein at least one IR sensor (4, 4z) is arranged below the preparation plate (2) and laterally next to the inductor coils (3, 3z).