Induction Hob Detection Circuit Without Relay Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hob devices require switching elements to connect detection circuits to induction heating elements, leading to issues with low current through contacts and potential inaccuracies in detecting cooking utensils, especially due to the presence of external voltages and high-frequency heating currents.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob device connects detection circuits directly to induction heating elements without switching elements, incorporating a protection unit to prevent high-frequency heating current entry and using a separate sensor current supply unit, allowing for precise detection of cooking utensils by forming an oscillating circuit with the induction heating element, even in heating states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switching elements (relays) are used to connect detection circuits to induction heating elements, then the device can switch between heating and detection modes, but contact-related issues occur due to low current and external voltages interfere with detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful switching elements (relays) from the circuit by implementing a direct connection between the detection circuit and induction heating element. The detection circuit is permanently connected to the heating element without any switching components, thereby eliminating contact-related issues and external voltage interference that plagued the previous switching-based approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to continuously monitor the induction heating element regardless of operating state. The same direct connection serves both heating operation and detection functions simultaneously, making the circuit universal and eliminating the need for separate switching paths for different modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching elements are used to connect detection circuits, then mode switching is enabled, but production costs increase and reliability decreases due to contact wear and low current issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes switching elements entirely from the detection circuit connection path. The detection circuit is directly connected to the induction heating element, eliminating relays and their associated contact wear, low current issues, and reliability problems. This extraction of harmful components directly improves system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit maintains a continuous, uninterrupted connection with the induction heating element at all times, regardless of whether the system is in heating or detection mode. This continuous connection ensures consistent detection performance and eliminates the intermittent connectivity and contact reliability issues inherent in switching-based systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If detection circuits are connected directly to induction heating elements without switching elements, then production costs are reduced and reliability improved, but the device must handle external voltages and high-frequency heating currents continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high-frequency heating current into a useful detection signal. The detection circuit uses the same electromagnetic field generated during heating to detect cooking utensils. By utilizing the heating current's electromagnetic radiation for detection purposes, the system turns what could be interference into a beneficial detection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate detection signals.
4Ease of operation
If switching elements are used in the detection circuit connection, then mode control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and contact-related failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all switching elements from the detection circuit connection. The simplified direct connection between detection circuit and induction heating element eliminates relays, contactors, and associated control logic, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to universally operate in both heating and non-heating modes without requiring separate circuit paths or switching mechanisms. The same direct connection serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for mode-specific circuit configurations and reducing overall system complexity.
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 production costs, avoids contact-related issues, and enables precise detection of cooking utensils by maintaining a closed circuit for alternating current, ensuring accurate detection and durability while preventing high-frequency current interference.
Implementation Method 1
the induction heating element is provided to convert electrical energy into a magnetic alternating field, which is provided here, in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, cooking utensil, to generate eddy currents and/or non-magnetization effects, which are converted into heat
Implementation Method 2
generate eddy currents and/or non-magnetization effects, which are converted into heat
Implementation Method 3
The induction heating element is provided to heat cooking utensils
Implementation Method 4
the at least one detection circuit is connected directly to the at least one induction heating element irrespective of an operating state... allowing for precise detection of cooking utensils by forming an oscillating circuit with the induction heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An induction hob device includes at least one induction heating element adapted to heat a cooking utensil, and at least one detection circuit which cooperates with the at least one induction heating element to detect a presence of the cooking utensil. The at least one detection circuit is hereby directly connected to the at least one induction heating element irrespective of an operating state.