Induction Hob Matrix Control for Dynamic Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob technologies, such as those with chef's functions, lack intuitive and comfortable operation methods for manually assigning and managing heating power densities, especially when cooking vessels are moved within the heating area, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in achieving desired heat outputs.
Innovation Solution
A hob with a matrix arrangement of heating elements and a controller that allows manual assignment of heating power densities via control elements or external devices, enabling operators to select and adjust heat outputs based on vessel position, with automatic deletion of manual assignments when the vessel is moved beyond a minimum distance, reverting to position-dependent heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chef function with position-dependent heating power densities is implemented, then the heating control becomes more intuitive and convenient, but the device complexity increases due to multiple heating elements and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The heating area is divided into multiple individually controllable heating elements arranged in a matrix pattern. Each heating element can be independently controlled to provide different heating power densities at different positions, enabling the chef function while maintaining modular simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the heating power density of individual heating elements based on the detected position of the cooking vessel. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide position-dependent heating without requiring complex manual intervention or pre-programmed sequences
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual assignment of heating power density is allowed, then flexibility in achieving desired heat outputs is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to manually select and adjust power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-calculates and stores optimal heating power density assignments for different vessel positions and cooking scenarios. When a vessel is placed on the heating area, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-defined power density, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the cooking vessel and automatically adjusts the heating power density in real-time based on the detected position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides flexible adaptability without requiring manual intervention, as the system self-adjusts to maintain optimal heating conditions
3Loss of energy
If heating power is reduced when a cooking vessel is moved, then energy efficiency is improved, but the productivity decreases due to repeated heating adjustments when vessels are repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reducing heating power when a vessel is moved, the system applies heating power locally and selectively to only those heating elements currently under the cooking vessel. This localized heating approach maintains energy efficiency by avoiding waste on unused areas while ensuring continuous adequate heating where needed, thus preserving cooking productivity
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 intuitive and efficient heating control, allowing operators to easily change or maintain heat outputs, ensuring consistent heating performance and flexibility in cooking scenarios, even when space constraints or desired heat levels are not met by traditional chef's mode settings.
Implementation Method 1
a hob with heating elements and with a hob control, wherein the hob control is configured to carry out this method
Implementation Method 2
an induction cooktop with a cooking surface and several inductive heating elements arranged below it
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for operating an induction cooktop in a professional kitchen setting, at least three heating elements form a variable heating zone on the cooktop surface. Different positions of the cooking vessel within this zone correspond to different heating power densities for the vessel. A cooktop control unit detects a placed cooking vessel and activates the heating elements, each with a specific heating power density. First, the cooking vessel is selected for subsequent manual assignment of a heating power density by an operator. Then, this selected heating power density is assigned to the at least one heating element for the selected cooking vessel. Moving the cooking vessel more than a minimum distance within the heating zone clears the manually assigned heating power density and replaces it with a heating power density corresponding to the vessel's position within the heating zone after the movement, thus ensuring continued heating of the vessel.The heating output is therefore, so to speak, reset to the value corresponding to the chef's operation.