Induction Range Base Plate Support for Stable Coil Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric ranges with working coils disposed at the center of a base plate tend to sag due to uneven elastic support, leading to inconsistent gaps between the working coil and objects being heated, and are prone to deformation under external impacts.

Innovation Solution

The electric range incorporates a supporter system with a bracket and elastic members to stabilize the base plate, ensuring a constant gap and absorbing external impacts, while a reinforcing body prevents deformation of the bracket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If elastic rods are used to support the base plate, then the base plate can be supported, but the lower portion of the base plate sags and deforms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase plate stabilityVSAvoidbase plate shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple elastic rods positioned at different locations (four corners and center) of the base plate, allowing distributed support that prevents sagging while maintaining overall stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the base plate receive differentiated support through strategically positioned elastic rods, with enhanced support at critical locations (corners and center) to prevent localized sagging and maintain uniform shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the working coil is disposed at the center of the base plate, then the heating function is improved, but the base plate bends downward due to weight concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidbase plate shape
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

An additional elastic rod is positioned at the center of the base plate directly beneath the working coil to provide counter-support against the concentrated weight, preventing downward bending while maintaining the central positioning for optimal heating efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of manufacture

If the case structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the case deforms under external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase manufacturingVSAvoidcase strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Reinforcing ribs are added to the case structure, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement pattern that significantly enhances strength and impact resistance while maintaining a relatively simple overall case design and manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration maintains a consistent heating gap, ensures uniform heating, and prevents deformation of the bracket, enhancing the stability and performance of the electric range.

Implementation Method 1

one or more elastic members may be disposed between the bracket and the base plate and may elastically support one or more positions of a lower end of a base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

high-frequency power is supplied to a coil to generate a magnetic field around the coil, and eddy current produced in the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated made of a metallic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

eddy current produced in the generated magnetic field is used to heat an object to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 4

electric current is supplied to a working coil or a heating coil, heat is generated while an object to be heated is inductively heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3879932A1Electric range
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3879932A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3879932A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3879932A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electric range. In the electric range, a lower surface of a base plate on which a working coil is disposed may be supported along a widthwise direction of the base plate, thereby preventing a bend of the base plate and absorbing an external impact applied to the base plate. Additionally, in the electric range, a gap between a working coil on a base plate and an object to be heated on/over the working coil may be maintained.