Induction Hob Power Circuit With Shared DC Conversion Across Phases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circuit devices for induction cooking hobs face issues with high stand-by power consumption, complex EMI filters, and electrical insulation challenges due to multiple current and voltage phases, leading to increased component complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A circuit device with multiple power units, each supplied by a different mains current phase, featuring frequency converting means and current conversion units that share output direct currents to reduce component count, simplify EMI filters, and enable electrical insulation, with each power unit capable of supplying other units directly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple current conversion units are used for each power phase, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and standby power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the current conversion functions across multiple power phases by having the first current conversion unit supply output direct current to multiple second current conversion units on different power phases. This consolidation reduces the total number of independent current conversion units needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and standby power consumption while maintaining reliable power supply to all phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple current conversion units are used for each power phase, then power supply reliability is improved, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the current conversion functions across multiple power phases by having the first current conversion unit supply output direct current to multiple second current conversion units on different power phases. This consolidation reduces the total number of independent current conversion units needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and standby power consumption while maintaining reliable power supply to all phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different mains current phases are used for power units, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but electrical insulation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidelectrical insulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by having the first current conversion unit convert AC to DC and serve as a common power source for multiple phases. This intermediary DC conversion stage eliminates the need for complex electrical insulation between phases, as all subsequent conversions occur from a common DC reference, thereby reducing insulation complexity while preserving power distribution flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If complex EMI filters are used for each current phase, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidfilter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the EMI filtering function into a single common filter that handles the combined current from all power phases. Instead of implementing separate complex EMI filters for each phase, this unified filtering approach reduces the total component count and complexity while maintaining adequate electromagnetic interference protection for the system.

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

This solution decreases stand-by power consumption, simplifies EMI filters, and reduces the complexity of drivers for frequency converting means, while enabling efficient electrical insulation and power supply to various loads, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the circuit device.

Implementation Method 1

frequency converting means, each for supplying at least one induction element with electrical power to generate heating power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

current conversion unit for converting an input direct current or an input alternating current into one, at least one, two or at least two output direct currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentEP4013190B1Circuit device for a cooking device, in particular cooking hob, more in particular induction cooking hob and cooking device, in particular cooking hob, more in particular induction cooking hob
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4013190B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit device (1) for a cooking device, in particular cooking hob, more in particular induction cooking hob, comprising - at least two, in particular two, three or at least three power units (P1, P2, .. PN), each power unit supplied with electrical power by a different mains current phase (L1, L2, .. LN), - wherein each power unit (P1, P2, .. PN) comprises frequency converting means (G11 .. GNM), each for supplying at least one induction element with electrical power to generate heating power, - wherein each power unit (P1, P2, .. PN) comprises at least one current conversion unit (C1 .. CN) for converting an in-put direct or alternating current into one, at least one, two or at least two output direct currents, - wherein each power unit (P1, P2, .. PN) comprises at least one load or at least two loads, in particular one or more low-power loads and/or control units, supplied or to be sup-plied with electrical power by the output direct current, an output direct current or the output direct currents from the current conversion unit, - wherein a first power unit (P1) comprises a first current conversion unit (C1), in particular for converting an alternating current from a first mains current phase (L1) into one, at least one, two or at least two first output direct currents (I1), - wherein by the first output direct current or one of the first output direct currents (I1) of the first power unit (P1), at least a second current conversion unit (C2) of a second power unit (P2) is supplied for converting the first output direct current (I1) into one, at least one, two or at least two second output direct currents.