Induction Hob Sensor Coil Layout for Interference-Free Pot Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooktops face challenges in accurately detecting the position of a pot on the cooking surface without causing interference between induction heating coils and sensor coils, particularly when adjacent coils are operated out of phase, leading to potential disruptions in heating operations.

Innovation Solution

The design features flat induction heating coils and sensor coils arranged in parallel planes, maintaining a specific distance from adjacent coils to prevent interference, allowing continuous pot detection without disrupting heating operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor coils are arranged to overlap adjacent induction heating coils for continuous pot detection, then pot detection capability is improved, but interference between sensor coils and induction heating coils occurs when coils are operated out of phase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepot detection capabilityVSAvoidinterference between sensor coils and induction heating coils
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor coils are extracted from the overlapping arrangement and repositioned to be located between adjacent induction heating coils. This separation removes the harmful interference effect while preserving the pot detection function through strategic positioning in the magnetic field zones between heating coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor coils serve as an intermediary element positioned between the induction heating coils. They detect pots in the intermediate zones without directly overlapping the heating coils, thus mediating between the need for detection and the need to avoid interference when coils operate out of phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sensor coils are positioned between adjacent induction heating coils to avoid interference, then interference is reduced, but pot detection precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between coilsVSAvoidpot detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor coils are positioned in specific local zones between adjacent induction heating coils where the magnetic field is sufficient for detection but does not cause harmful interference. This local positioning optimizes both detection precision and interference avoidance by exploiting the spatial variation in magnetic field strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging sensor coils in the same plane as the induction heating coils (two-dimensional overlap), the sensor coils are positioned in the intermediate zones between coils, utilizing the spatial dimension between adjacent heating elements. This dimensional arrangement allows detection without direct overlap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pot detection sensors are distributed across the induction cooktop to enable pot placement detection anywhere, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepot placement flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of sensor coils
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor coil positioned between adjacent induction heating coils serves multiple heating zones simultaneously. A single sensor coil can detect pots for multiple adjacent cooking zones, providing universal detection capability across the entire cooktop surface without requiring a separate sensor for each zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Adjacent sensor coils and their detection zones are merged to cover multiple induction heating coils. By positioning sensor coils between heating coils, the detection function is combined across zone boundaries, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise detection of pot position and size with minimal interference, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted heating by avoiding overlapping sensor coils with adjacent induction heating coils, even when operated out of phase.

Implementation Method 1

sensor coils, which... can detect a cooking vessel placed above them by means of the magnetic field they generate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

induction heating coils... heat it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

induction cooktops... induction heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3799527B1Induction hob and method for controlling an induction hob
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3799527B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3799527B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3799527B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An induction cooktop comprises a cooking surface and several induction heating coils and sensor coils arranged beneath it. The induction heating coils and sensor coils are flat and run in planes that are parallel to each other and parallel to the cooking surface. Two adjacent induction heating coils form a neighboring area with their adjacent sides. None of the sensor coils are arranged in such a way that they overlap two induction heating coils in a neighboring area. Advantageously, all sensor coils are arranged without overlap over the induction heating coil above which they are positioned, so that they do not protrude beyond it.