Induction range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction warming ranges are limited by the need for induction-ready vessels to be placed in specific locations within the magnetic field, restricting the number of vessels that can be heated and limiting flexibility in displaying warmed food.
Innovation Solution
An induction warming range with detachable control boxes and distributed heating elements and sensors that allow heating of vessels placed anywhere on the surface, enabling multiple vessels to be heated simultaneously and providing flexible placement options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single heating element is positioned to heat a pot placed in a specific portion of the top surface, then the heating efficiency for that specific location is improved, but the flexibility and number of vessels that can be heated simultaneously are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating surface is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own heating element and control circuitry. This segmentation allows different portions of the surface to be heated independently, enabling multiple vessels to be placed and heated simultaneously at different locations without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation and power levels of individual heating elements based on the detected position and requirements of vessels on the surface. This dynamic control enables flexible adaptation to various vessel placement configurations while maintaining optimal heating efficiency for each active zone.
2Ease of manufacture
If the heating surface is designed with a fixed heating zone, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the quantity of vessels that can be heated simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating surface is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own heating element and control circuitry. This segmentation allows different portions of the surface to be heated independently, enabling multiple vessels to be placed and heated simultaneously at different locations without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heating zone is designed to be universally applicable for heating any induction-compatible vessel placed upon it, regardless of vessel size or shape. The modular design allows the same heating zone structure to serve multiple functions and accommodate various cooking scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating elements are distributed across the surface to enable heating anywhere, then the adaptability and number of vessels that can be heated are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic vessel detection and positioning capabilities that allow it to self-configure the heating zones based on where vessels are placed. The control system automatically identifies active heating zones and adjusts power distribution without requiring manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity despite the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors detect the presence, position, and thermal characteristics of vessels on the heating surface and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of heating element activation and power levels, simplifying the control of multiple distributed heating zones through closed-loop control.
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
Increases usage possibilities and minimizes limitations on displaying warmed food by allowing vessels to be placed anywhere on the range, enabling efficient heating of multiple vessels at once.
Implementation Method 1
induction heating elements
Implementation Method 2
induction heating elements
Implementation Method 3
heating element positioned to heat a pot
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative induction warming range capable of heating one or more multiple-sized servers and/or pots at any location on the range top using a plurality of preconfigured heating settings including low (145-155 F), low-med (156-165 F), med-high (166-175 F), and high (176-185 F). The illustrative induction warming range may be configured for automatically switch off 2 minutes after pans are removed. The induction warming range is compatible with all induction ready servers and pans and may include a durable, easy to clean tempered glass top. The illustrative warming range may be configured as a portable unit for countertop use, as a built-in unit for installation in a countertop or other surface, and/or the unit may be configured for both countertop or drop-in use.