Induction Hob Heating Zone Power Boost via Secondary Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction hobs face limitations in increasing the heating output of a single heating zone beyond the maximum power of the primary power supply device while maintaining simultaneous operation of multiple heating zones, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating or overloading.
Innovation Solution
A hob design that allows a secondary power supply device to be connected to one of the heating elements of the first heating zone in a special operating mode, enabling increased heating output while ensuring the secondary zone remains available for normal operation, with features like synchronization of power supply devices and automatic deactivation to prevent overheating and overloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the first power supply device operates both heating elements of the first heating zone, then the heating zone can be heated, but the heating output cannot exceed the maximum power of the first power supply device
Solution Approach 1:
The second power supply device, originally designed exclusively for the second heating zone, is made multi-functional by enabling it to also supply power to heating elements in the first heating zone. This allows the system to achieve higher heating output by drawing power from both power supply devices simultaneously, while maintaining the flexibility to operate in different modes (normal and boosted heating).
2Power
If the second power supply device is used to increase heating output of the first heating zone, then heating power is increased, but the second heating zone may become unavailable or overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on operational mode. In normal mode, each power supply device operates independently and reliably for its designated heating zone. In boosted heating mode, the control unit dynamically reallocates the second power supply device to support the first heating zone, with automatic deactivation of the second heating zone to prevent overloading. This dynamic switching ensures reliability is maintained through controlled mode transitions.
3Productivity
If multiple heating elements operate simultaneously at high power, then heating efficiency is improved, but overheating and overloading risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the operational state of both power supply devices and heating zones, implementing feedback control to prevent overheating and overloading. When boosted heating mode is activated, the system automatically deactivates the second heating zone and monitors power consumption, ensuring that the total load remains within safe limits while still achieving high heating efficiency in the first zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by automatically deactivating the second heating zone before overloading can occur when boosted heating mode is activated. This preventive measure eliminates the risk of overloading the power supply system while still allowing high-power operation in the first heating zone, thereby maintaining heating efficiency without compromising safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If induction coils operate at different frequencies, then heating flexibility is improved, but intermodulation hum is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of the induction coils based on the operational mode. In normal mode, different frequencies can be used for different heating zones to provide heating flexibility. In boosted heating mode, when both heating elements of the first zone operate simultaneously, the control unit synchronizes their frequencies to eliminate intermodulation hum, thus adapting the frequency parameter to the current operational requirements.
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 a temporary boost in heating power without overloading the secondary power supply, ensuring efficient operation of multiple heating zones simultaneously while minimizing crosstalk and radiation losses, and avoiding audible disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
induction hob with at least one first heating zone (10), which has at least two independently heatable heating elements (16, 18)
Implementation Method 2
Particularly when the heating elements are designed as induction coils
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooking hob, especially an induction cooking hob, comprising at least one first heating zone (10) that is provided with at least two independently heatable heating elements (16, 18) which are operated by means of a first power supply device (26) via a first switching device (20), and at least one additional heating zone (12, 14) that is operated with the aid of a second power supply device (28) via a second switching device (22) in the normal mode of operation. In order to create a generic cooking hob with a special mode of operation in which a heating capacity of the first heating zone (10) can be increased beyond a maximum power of the first power supply device (26) while the first heating zone (10) encompassing the two heating elements (16, 18) and the additional heating zone (12, 14) can be operated simultaneously in the normal mode of operation, the cooking hob is equipped with at least one switching element (30, 32) for establishing a power supply connection between the second power supply device (28) and one of the heating elements (16, 18) of the first heating zone (10) in a special mode of operation so as to increase the heating capacity of the first heating zone (10).