Induction Hob Transmission Device for Flexible Heating Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction hobs require a large number of individually controllable and adjustable induction heating coils to heat cooking vessels of varying sizes and positions, leading to high design and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A hob with a flat hob plate and a transmission device featuring inductively coupled resonant circuits that allow energy transmission across a larger area, enabling heating of cooking vessels placed offset from the induction heating coils, reducing the need for extensive coil coverage and complex cabling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of induction heating coils are arranged under the hob plate to cover the entire heating area, then any cooking vessel can be heated at any position, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of induction heating coils
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating area is divided into multiple zones, each with its own induction heating coil. The hob plate surface is segmented into first, second, third, and fourth heating areas, allowing selective activation of specific zones based on cooking vessel position and size, rather than requiring full coverage across the entire surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and activates only the necessary induction heating coils based on real-time detection of cooking vessel position and dimensions. The control unit determines which heating areas are currently needed and activates only those corresponding coils, adapting the heating configuration to match the actual cooking requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If induction heating coils are arranged to cover the entire hob plate surface, then heating versatility is improved, but the cabling and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooking vessel placement flexibilityVSAvoidcabling and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent control channels, each managing a specific induction heating coil or heating area. This modular control architecture reduces the complexity of centralized control by allowing independent management of each heating zone, simplifying both cabling requirements and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the hob plate surface is fully covered with induction heating coils, then heating capability is maximized, but the manufacturing cost and design effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoiddesign and manufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is designed with segmented heating areas that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each heating area with its corresponding induction coil can be prepared as a separate module, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing design complexity compared to a fully integrated continuous heating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The induction heating system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can heat cooking vessels of various sizes and positions, provide localized heating zones, and adapt to different cooking requirements. This multi-functionality is achieved through the segmented heating areas that can be selectively activated, reducing the need for specialized heating configurations for different cooking scenarios.

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 solution enables efficient energy transfer to cooking vessels without direct overlap with coils, simplifying the design and reducing the number of required induction heating coils, while allowing for flexible placement and heating of vessels, and also powers operating elements and displays.

Implementation Method 1

a hob plate (13), advantageously a flat hob plate made of tempered glass or glass ceramic, on or under which at least one induction heating coil (17) is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

induction heating coil (17) is arranged... with which it is possible in particular to bring energy from an induction heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

heated there with a power that can be specified by an operator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

The transmission device has a large number of resonant circuits which are inductively coupled to one another and are responsible for the transmission of the energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 5

The transmission device has a large number of resonant circuits which are inductively coupled to one another... Each of the inductively coupled tank circuits has a transmission coil and a transmission capacitance to form an L-C tank circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3352529B1Hotplate
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH
  • EP3352529B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3352529B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3352529B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cooktop with a cooking surface and several induction heating coils arranged beneath it as heating elements features a planar transmission device between the induction heating coils and the cooking surface. This transmission device comprises a plurality of inductively coupled resonant circuits, each with a transmission coil and a transmission capacitor forming an LC resonant circuit. The transmission coils extend essentially in a plane parallel to the cooking surface. All transmission coils are identical and have few turns, being very flat. They can slightly overlap or cover each other, or run at very close intervals.