Induction Hob Switching Element Thermal Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooking hobs face challenges in setting appropriate power for each heating unit to prevent overheating of switching elements, which can lead to malfunctions or damage to components.

Innovation Solution

The induction cooking hob incorporates multiple temperature sensors thermally connected to each switching element, allowing for precise temperature estimation and control, along with a resonant circuit, power generators, and inverters to manage power distribution efficiently, using thermistors and microcontrollers for feedback control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are thermally connected to each switching element, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature monitoring system into separate segments, with each switching element having its own dedicated temperature sensor. This segmentation allows independent temperature measurement for each switching element, enabling precise detection of individual component temperatures without requiring a complex centralized monitoring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal connection structures as intermediaries between switching elements and temperature sensors. These thermal connections (such as thermal pads or conductive materials) serve as mediators that efficiently transfer heat from the switching element to the temperature sensor, ensuring accurate temperature measurement while maintaining electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If power control is precisely adjusted for each heating unit, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of each switching element through its dedicated temperature sensor and using this information to adjust the power supplied to the corresponding heating unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that power is precisely controlled to prevent overheating, thereby improving reliability without requiring overly complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality control by independently managing the power and temperature control for each heating unit and its associated switching element. Each heating unit operates with its own optimized power level based on local temperature conditions, allowing precise control tailored to specific operational requirements rather than using a uniform control approach for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables precise power and temperature management, preventing overheating of switching elements and improving the overall reliability and safety of the induction cooking hob by ensuring optimal temperature regulation.

Implementation Method 1

each of the temperature sensors is associated and thermally connected to one of the switching elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an induction cooking hob comprising a plurality of heating units and a plurality of switching elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an induction cooking hob comprising a plurality of heating units and a plurality of switching elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3461229B1Induction cooking hob
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP3461229B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

An induction cooking hob comprises a plurality of heating units (50), a plurality of switching elements, and a plurality of temperature sensors, wherein each of the temperature sensors is associated and thermally connected to one of the switching elements. The temperature sensors are adapted to sense the temperature of the dedicated switching element.