Induction Tank Heating with Material-Adaptive Voltage Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Induction cooking equipment fails to achieve uniform heating and accurate temperature control due to the use of heating plates, which results in varying heating outcomes across different material types of cooking vessels.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the material type of a cooking vessel and select a voltage change curve matching its properties, ensuring consistent heating performance across different materials by adjusting the voltage accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a heating plate is used for heating, then the structure is simple and control is easy, but the heating uniformity and temperature control accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating structure complexityVSAvoidtemperature control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the heating method from conventional resistive heating to induction heating, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of heat generation. Induction heating uses electromagnetic fields to directly induce eddy currents in the cookware, generating heat within the cookware itself rather than through a heating plate, thereby achieving superior temperature control accuracy and heating uniformity while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical thermal conduction system (heating plate transferring heat to cookware) with an electromagnetic field system. The induction coil generates a time-varying magnetic field that directly induces currents in the cookware, eliminating the need for direct thermal contact and improving both temperature control precision and heating uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a fixed voltage change curve is used for induction heating, then the control is simple, but the compatibility with different material types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different material types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the voltage change curve based on the detected material type of the cookware. The system automatically adapts the heating parameters in real-time according to the thermal properties, magnetic permeability, and other characteristics of different materials, achieving both simple operation and high compatibility across various cookware materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system detects the material type of the cookware and uses this information to adjust the voltage change curve accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures optimal heating performance for different materials while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to place the cookware on the heater without manual parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach allows for compatible induction cooking equipment to achieve the same heating results across various material types, ensuring that the heat received by food conforms to the required cooking curve, thereby improving cooking efficiency and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

induction cooking equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heating a tank of an induction cooking equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3136821B1Method and device for heating a tank of an induction cooking equipment
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3136821B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3136821B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3136821B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, device and electronic device for heating a tank of an induction cooking equipment. The method may comprise: determining (502) a material type of a tank; and selecting (504) a voltage change curve matching with the material type for use in a cooking process of the induction cooking equipment which the tank belongs to.