Induction Range Coil Support for Constant Heating Gap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric ranges with working coils disposed at the upper end of a base plate often experience sagging due to uneven elastic support, leading to an inconsistent gap between the working coil and objects being heated, which affects heating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of elastic supporters disposed at the upper end of an air guide beneath the base plate to provide uniform support, maintaining a constant gap and preventing sagging, utilizing a combination of leaf springs or elastic rubber blocks to elastically support the base plate along its widthwise direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic rods are used to support the base plate at different positions, then the base plate can be supported, but uneven elastic force causes the base plate to tilt and sag

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase plate stabilityVSAvoidgap consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning elastic supporters specifically at the four corners of the base plate rather than uniformly distributed support. This localized support strategy addresses the specific sagging problem at corner regions while maintaining overall base plate stability and ensuring consistent gap between the working coil and cooking vessel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic supporters function as counterweight elements by providing upward elastic force to counterbalance the downward gravitational force and weight of the working coil. This prevents the base plate from sagging and maintains proper positioning, thereby ensuring reliable operation and consistent heating gap.

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

2Productivity

If the working coil is disposed at the upper end of the base plate, then heating function is achieved, but the base plate bends downward due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidbase plate deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic supporters provide upward elastic counterforce to balance the downward weight of the working coil. This prevents base plate deformation while maintaining the working coil's proper positioning for effective heating operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic supporters act as pre-installed cushioning elements that absorb and compensate for the gravitational load of the working coil before it causes excessive deformation. This beforehand support ensures the base plate maintains its shape and the working coil remains properly positioned for heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If elastic supporters are added to support the base plate, then sagging is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase plate support stabilityVSAvoidnumber of support components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of elastic supporters at the four corners of the base plate rather than symmetric uniform distribution. This asymmetric arrangement provides effective support with minimal components, preventing sagging while avoiding excessive complexity that would result from more numerous or differently arranged support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 ensures a consistent gap between the working coil and objects being heated, enhancing heating efficiency and stability by preventing base plate sagging and maintaining uniform heat distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a lower end of the base plate, which allows a working coil to be placed at the upper end thereof, may be supported by the elastic supporters disposed at the upper end of the air guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

In an induction heating method, 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

In a resistance heating method, electric current is supplied to a metallic resistance wire or a non-metallic heat generation element such as silicon carbide to generate heat, and the generated heat is radiated or conducted to heat an object to be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3883343B1Electric range
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3883343B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3883343B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3883343B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electric range. In the electric range, a lower end of a base plate, which allows a working coil to be placed at an upper end thereof, may be supported by the elastic supporters disposed at an upper end of an air guide along a widthwise direction of the base plate, thereby preventing a bend of the base plate and maintaining a constant gap between an object to be heated and the working coil.