Induction Heating Load Detection Using Dual-Frequency Resonance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in determining whether an object is suitable for induction heating, leading to potential power wastage when non-inductive objects are used on induction heating devices.

Innovation Solution

An induction heating device employs a dual-frequency resonant current measurement method to accurately identify the type of object on the heating surface by comparing resonant current values at different frequencies, using a determination unit to confirm the inductive-heating property through a double determination process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the induction heating device applies power without verifying object compatibility, then the device can operate continuously, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when non-compatible objects are placed on the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidunnecessary power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of object compatibility by measuring resonant current at different frequencies before applying full heating power. This preliminary action identifies whether the object has magnetic properties suitable for induction heating, preventing energy waste by avoiding operation with incompatible objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the device uses a single frequency measurement to determine object type, then the detection process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of determining object compatibility is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidobject type identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple frequency measurements (first frequency and second frequency) rather than using a single measurement. This segmentation allows the system to compare resonant current values at different frequencies, significantly improving the accuracy of determining whether an object has magnetic properties suitable for induction heating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 method enhances the accuracy of identifying suitable objects for induction heating, reducing power wastage by ensuring only inductive objects receive heating power, thus optimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

when a high-frequency power of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the working coil, an eddy current is generated in the loaded object made of a metal by using a magnetic field generated around the working coil so that the loaded object itself is heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an eddy current is generated in the loaded object made of a metal by using a magnetic field generated around the working coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

a first resonant current value that is measured from the working coil in response to operation of the inverter by the switching signal having the first operation frequency and (ii) a second resonant current value that is measured from the working coil in response to operation of the inverter by the switching signal having the second operation frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3481147B1Induction heating device and method for determining loaded-object on the induction heating device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3481147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3481147B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3481147B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An induction heating device includes a working coil, an inverter, an inverter driving unit configured to apply a switching signal to the inverter to enable the inverter to perform a switching operation, a control unit configured to generate and apply a control signal to the inverter driving unit to cause the inverter driving unit to generate the switching signal based on the control signal, and a determination unit configured to determine a type of an object disposed on the induction heating device based on (i) a first resonant current value measured from the working coil in response to operation of the inverter by the switching signal having a first operation frequency and (ii) a second resonant current value measured from the working coil in response to operation of the inverter by the switching signal having a second operation frequency.