Induction Hob Control Unit Detects Vessel Suitability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction hob devices often fail to provide adequate heating due to poor induction suitability of cooking vessels, leading to operator discomfort and complaints about defective cooktops.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob device includes a control unit that measures and evaluates parameters such as the size, position, and material of cooking vessels using sensors, determining an induction suitability parameter to classify vessels as 'good', 'limited', or 'unsuitable' for heating, and provides this information to the operator through a display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the induction hob device provides basic heating functionality, then the device structure remains simple, but operator comfort deteriorates due to inability to identify inadequate heating causes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides feedback to the operator about the induction suitability parameter of the cooking vessel. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to understand whether inadequate heating is due to vessel unsuitability rather than device malfunction, thereby improving operator comfort without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically measures and evaluates the induction suitability parameter using existing sensor units and control electronics. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual assessment by the operator and provides automated diagnostics, improving ease of operation while utilizing already-present device components
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to measure cooking vessel parameters, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing sensor units and control electronics in the induction hob device are made multi-functional by programming them to measure and evaluate induction suitability parameters. This approach achieves precise measurement without adding dedicated sensors, as the existing components perform multiple functions including temperature sensing and now induction suitability assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically performs measurement and evaluation of induction suitability parameters using existing device resources. This self-service capability achieves precise measurement without requiring additional sensor hardware, as the system utilizes its own existing sensors and processing capabilities
3Loss of information
If the control unit provides induction suitability parameter for each new cooking vessel, then information completeness improves, but loss of time increases due to repeated measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically measures and stores the induction suitability parameter whenever a cooking vessel is placed on the induction heating unit, even before heating begins. This preliminary action ensures information is available immediately when needed, eliminating delays and ensuring complete information is provided to the operator from the start
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 ensures precise determination of induction suitability, enhancing operator comfort by preventing inadequate heating and reducing complaints, while also potentially reducing device costs by eliminating the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction heating unit (12, 14, 16, 18) and with at least one control unit (20), which is provided for operating the induction heating unit (12, 14, 16, 18)
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit is provided, at least in one operating state, to use the sensor to measure at least one current flowing through the induction heating unit and at least one voltage present at the induction heating unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The induction cooking device (10) is composed of induction heating units (12,14,16,18) and control unit (20). Vessel (22,24,26,28) containing contents to be cooked in set up on the respective induction heating unit for heating and cooking of the contents. The control unit is provided for controlling operating parameters of the induction heating units, and the controlled operation parameters are displayed on display (32) of output unit (30). An independent claim is included for a method for operating the induction coking device.