Induction Hob Power Supply Unit Using Segmented Generator Topologies

Solution Overview

Problem

Induction cooking appliances with only quasi-resonant generators are cost-effective but offer lower cooking performance, while those with half-bridge generators provide better performance but at a higher cost, necessitating a solution that balances cost and performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating both quasi-resonant and half-bridge generators in the power supply unit, allowing for selective control of induction coils to optimize cooking zones, with quasi-resonant generators for lower-cost, lower-performance zones and half-bridge generators for higher-performance zones, and using microcontrollers for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If half-bridge generators are used in all cooking zones, then cooking performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking surface is divided into different zones with different generator types. High-performance half-bridge generators are deployed in zones requiring superior cooking performance, while cost-effective quasi-resonant generators are used in zones with lower performance requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high performance where needed without uniformly inflating manufacturing costs across the entire appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cooking surface are assigned different generator configurations based on local requirements. The patent applies half-bridge generators in specific local zones where enhanced cooking performance is critical, while using simpler quasi-resonant generators in other zones. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between performance and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If quasi-resonant generators are used in all cooking zones, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but cooking performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcooking performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking surface is divided into different zones with different generator types. High-performance half-bridge generators are deployed in zones requiring superior cooking performance, while cost-effective quasi-resonant generators are used in zones with lower performance requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high performance where needed without uniformly inflating manufacturing costs across the entire appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cooking surface are assigned different generator configurations based on local requirements. The patent applies half-bridge generators in specific local zones where enhanced cooking performance is critical, while using simpler quasi-resonant generators in other zones. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between performance and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single generator type is used for all cooking zones, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different cooking needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply unit structureVSAvoidcooking zone performance variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking surface is divided into different zones with different generator types. High-performance half-bridge generators are deployed in zones requiring superior cooking performance, while cost-effective quasi-resonant generators are used in zones with lower performance requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high performance where needed without uniformly inflating manufacturing costs across the entire appliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit is designed to accommodate multiple types of generators (half-bridge and quasi-resonant) within a unified architecture. This multi-functional design enables the system to provide different performance levels across different zones while maintaining overall system coherence and control through a common power supply framework.

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 reduces costs while maintaining or improving cooking performance, offering an ideal cost-benefit ratio by directing users to appropriate cooking zones based on needed performance, maximizing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

Each cooking zone comprises at least one induction coil for generating a time-varying electro-magnetic field inducing eddy currents in the loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generating a time-varying electro-magnetic field inducing eddy currents in the loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

for the thermal treatment of food products... Each cooking zone comprises at least one induction coil for generating a time-varying electro-magnetic field inducing eddy currents in the loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240284564A1Induction cooking appliance

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES

AI summary

There is described an induction cooking appliance (1), in particular an induction cooking hob, for the thermal treatment of food products comprising at least a plurality of cooking zones (2) each having at least one induction coil (3) for generating an electromagnetic field and a power supply unit (9) coupled to the induction coils (3) and configured to selectively control an energy input into the induction coils (3). The power supply unit (9) comprises at least one quasi-resonant generator (14) coupled to at least one respective induction coil (3) and at least one half-bridge generator (15) being coupled to at least one respective induction coil (3).