Induction Range Frequency Control for Cookware Suitability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric ranges using induction heating face inefficiencies due to variations in container material suitability, leading to low output or inefficiency when unsuitable containers are used.
Innovation Solution
An electric range with a controller that determines the frequency of a switching signal based on target power, identifies the frequency band for a target container, calculates suitability evaluation information on output and frequency efficiency, and outputs this information to guide users in selecting suitable containers for optimal heating performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If induction heating is applied to containers with varying material characteristics, then heating coverage is improved, but heating efficiency varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating frequency of the induction heater adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the frequency based on the detected container characteristics (size, material, shape) to optimize heating efficiency for each specific container type, thereby resolving the contradiction between broad adaptability and high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the operating frequency parameter of the induction heater according to container characteristics. Different frequencies are selected based on the container's size, material properties, and shape to maximize heating efficiency while maintaining versatility across different container types.
2Device complexity
If fixed frequency induction heating is used, then device complexity is reduced, but heating efficiency varies with container characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a sensor to detect container characteristics and feeding this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the operating frequency accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables efficient heating for various container types without requiring overly complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting container characteristics and adjusting its own operating parameters without user intervention. The controller autonomously selects the appropriate frequency based on sensor data, eliminating the need for manual frequency selection while maintaining high heating efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If container suitability is not evaluated, then ease of operation is improved, but heating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-evaluation of container suitability by automatically detecting container characteristics and determining whether they are appropriate for induction heating. This self-service evaluation maintains ease of operation as users simply place containers on the heater without manual assessment, while ensuring optimal heating performance through automatic suitability verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to inform users about container suitability through the controller's output unit. The system detects container characteristics, evaluates suitability, and provides feedback to the user, enabling simple operation with appropriate containers while preventing inefficient heating with unsuitable containers.
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
The system ensures users choose containers with optimal characteristics for each cooking mode, enhancing the electric range's efficiency by providing evaluation information on container suitability and heating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a high-frequency voltage of a certain magnitude is applied to a working coil, generating a magnetic field around the working coil. Magnetic lines in the generated induction magnetic field generate an eddy current inside the burner, and the burner is heated by this eddy current
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic lines in the generated induction magnetic field generate an eddy current inside the burner, and the burner is heated by this eddy current
Data Source
AI summary
An electric range includes: an inverter for outputting high frequency power by switching direct current power according to a switching signal to be inputted; a heating unit including a working coil for performing induction heating by the high frequency power; a measurement unit for measuring the output of the induction heating; a controller; and an output unit for outputting a processing result of the controller. The controller determines a frequency of the switching signal on the basis of target power to control the output of the working coil, identifies a frequency band of the switching signal with respect to a target container to be inductively heated, generates suitability evaluation information about the container on the basis of the identified frequency band and the output of the induction heating measured by the measurement unit, and then controls that the information is outputted through the output unit.