Communicating Induction Hob for Multi-Pan Zone Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart cooking systems are expensive and unreliable when tracking multiple cooking items across heating zones, particularly due to synchronization issues with multiplexers.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop system with at least two heating zones and a control unit that consecutively supplies zones for a duration T0 when a communication device receives an activation signal or loses confirmation from cooking items, using unique identifiers and presence sensors like infrared or Hall effect detectors to accurately track items across zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer is used to separate simultaneous transmission of multiple cooking articles information, then the system can handle multiple cooking items, but the synchronization between signals and focal point becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the multiplexer component from the system architecture. Instead of using a multiplexer to separate and route signals from multiple cooking articles, the system directly processes signals from each article through dedicated communication channels, eliminating the synchronization problems introduced by the multiplexer while maintaining the ability to handle multiple items simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If battery-powered communication modules are used in cooking articles, then the system can be implemented, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the induction heating zones serve dual functions: they both heat cooking articles and act as communication devices to detect and track the articles. By using the existing heating infrastructure for both thermal processing and article identification, the system eliminates the need for separate battery-powered communication modules in each cooking article, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining full functionality
3Extent of automation
If the system tracks cooking items across heating zones, then user intervention is eliminated, but the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables cooking articles to self-identify and self-track across heating zones through automatic detection by the induction heating zones. The articles continuously communicate their presence and location without requiring user input or complex external tracking systems. The heating zones autonomously monitor signal presence, detect zone transitions, and maintain tracking, making the automation process simple and elegant
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 reliable and cost-effective tracking of cooking items across heating zones, ensuring correct temperature settings without user intervention, even with multiple items in use.
Implementation Method 1
a cooktop (1) comprising at least two heating zones (2, 3, 4, 5) for supporting one or more communicating electronic cooking articles (20, 21, 22, 23)
Implementation Method 2
each heating zone (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises a presence sensor (8, 9, 10, 11) for a communicating electronic cooking item (20, 21, 22, 23)
Implementation Method 3
presence sensors like infrared or Hall effect detectors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a hotplate (1) comprising: - at least two induction heating zones (2, 3, 4, 5) for supporting one or more electronic cooking articles (20, 21, 22, 23) communicating by way of a module (24) for communication with at least one communication device (7) integrated into the hotplate (1); - a control unit (6) linked to at least two heating zones (2, 3, 4, 5). The control unit (6) is linked to the communication device (7) so as to be activated by said communication device (7) and the control unit (6) is configured to power consecutively at least two of the heating zones (2, 3, 4) for a duration T0 when the communication device (7) receives an additional activation signal SA or when the communication device (7) no longer receives a confirmation signal SC emitted by one of the several already paired communicating electronic cooking articles (20, 21, 22, 23). The invention also relates to a method implementing such a hotplate.