Inductive Appliance Identification for Cordless Kitchen Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen appliances are hindered by cord management issues and stove ergonomics, leading to clutter and reduced counter space, while existing power solutions are inefficient and pose challenges in usability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact power transfer system, such as inductive power, that allows for precise energy delivery to appliances through communication and alignment mechanisms, enabling efficient and safe operation while maintaining appliance identification and control via frequency response profiles or communication systems, and allowing remote user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric appliances are located near outlets, then power supply is ensured, but kitchen counter space is reduced and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless power transfer technology that moves the power supply function from the physical spatial dimension (outlets and cords occupying counter space) to the electromagnetic field dimension. This allows appliances to be powered through air coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, eliminating the need for physical cord connections and outlet proximity, thereby freeing up counter space while maintaining power supply capability.
2Ease of operation
If appliance cords are made longer to increase mobility, then usability is improved, but kitchen clutter increases and counter space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the physical cord and relocates it to the electromagnetic field domain through wireless power transfer. By removing the cord entirely and replacing it with inductive coupling between transmitter and receiver coils, the system eliminates cord-related clutter while maintaining appliance mobility and usability.
3Area of stationary object
If heating element is placed beneath heat conductive material to provide counter space, then countertop area is increased, but stove efficiency is reduced due to insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal conduction-based heating system with an electromagnetic induction-based heating system. Instead of using a heating element beneath heat conductive material that requires insulation and sacrifices efficiency, the system uses electromagnetic fields to directly induce currents in the cookware, which then generates heat. This substitution eliminates the need for heat conductive materials and insulation layers, maintaining both counter space and heating efficiency.
4Area of stationary object
If non-contact power transfer system is implemented, then cord clutter is eliminated and counter space is optimized, but precise appliance identification and control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless power transfer system continuously monitors parameters such as power transfer efficiency, impedance, and frequency response to automatically identify the appliance type and adjust power delivery accordingly. This feedback loop simplifies the identification process by using real-time operational data rather than requiring complex pre-programmed databases or manual input systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables appliances to self-identify through their inherent electrical characteristics when connected wirelessly. The transmitter detects the receiver's impedance, resonant frequency, and power consumption patterns, allowing the appliance to automatically register itself with the control system without requiring manual input or complex identification protocols.
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 solution enhances kitchen ergonomics by eliminating cord clutter, optimizing counter space, and providing precise control over appliance operation, ensuring efficient energy use and safety through closed-loop temperature control and network connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
The non-contact power transfer system could be an inductive power system
Implementation Method 2
The food preparation system may also include alignment means such as a magnet to maintain the appliance in an acceptable position relative to the non-contact power system
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive power supply system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a device. The inductive power supply system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a device and the system. The device transmits an identifier to the system. If the device does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of device from a characterization of the power consumption by the device. If the device cannot be characterized, the inductive power supply system can be operated manually.