Method for operating an inductive cooking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive cooking systems face safety concerns due to remote control and regulation issues, leading to non-compliance with standards, and require complex cookware designs that limit communication to only temperature transmission and necessitate energy storage in cookware.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing inductive power for secure pairing between cookware and hob, eliminating the need for energy storage in cookware by using the hob's inductive power for signal transmission, ensuring direct contact is maintained, and employing a bimetallic switch for automatic process termination based on temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If radio transmission (RFID, transponder technology) is used for communication between cookware and hob, then information exchange and automated cooking control are enabled, but safety concerns arise due to remote effects allowing operation outside visual range, leading to non-compliance with standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical communication channel (light-based signaling) as an intermediary between the hob and cookware. This intermediary requires direct visual line-of-sight, thereby eliminating remote radio frequency effects while still enabling automated control. The optical mediator ensures that communication can only occur when the cookware is properly positioned on the hob within visual range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio frequency electromagnetic field system with an optical signaling system. By substituting RF communication with light-based communication (visible or infrared), the system maintains automated control capabilities while eliminating the safety issues associated with remote RF effects, as optical signals require direct line-of-sight and cannot penetrate obstacles like radio waves can.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex cookware designs with energy storage (batteries) are implemented for signal transmission, then communication capability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cookware to generate its own communication signals by utilizing the inductive power already present during normal cooking operation. The cookware's conductor loop, which is inherently part of the inductive heating system, serves dual purposes: both for receiving power from the hob and for transmitting communication signals back to the hob. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the conductor loop serve multiple functions: it acts as both the power receiving element for inductive heating and the signal transmission element for communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate batteries or energy storage components, reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication capability throughout the cooking process.
3Ease of operation
If cookware contains energy storage devices (batteries) for wireless communication, then signal transmission is enabled, but dishwasher safety and ease of cleaning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cookware uses the inductive power field present during normal operation to generate communication signals, eliminating the need for batteries or energy storage devices. This allows the cookware to maintain full wireless communication capability while remaining completely dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, as there are no removable components or electronic devices that would be damaged by water or detergent.
4Reliability
If only temperature transmission is implemented in cookware-hob communication, then safety is maintained, but automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a two-way communication system where the cookware not only receives cooking parameters from the hob but also transmits multiple types of feedback information back to the hob, including temperature data, operational status, and process completion signals. This feedback mechanism enables comprehensive automated control of the cooking process, allowing the hob to adjust power levels, monitor progress, and automatically terminate cooking when predefined conditions are met.
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
Enables secure, standardized communication for automated cooking processes without remote effects, reducing cookware complexity, eliminating the need for batteries, and ensuring dishwasher safety while providing efficient and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
inductive operation of the first hotplate of the hob with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period of time... the electrical energy for the transmission of the second signal from the transmitting unit of the cooking utensil is made available by inductive power
Implementation Method 2
actuating element which, when actuated, triggers the transmission of a first signal from the transmitting unit of the cooking utensil to the hob... in which the electrical energy for the transmission of the first signal from the transmitting unit is generated by actuation of the actuating element
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating an inductive cooking system (1), the inductive cooking system (1) having: • a hob (2) with at least one first hotplate (21) and with at least one receiving unit (23), and • at least a cooking utensil (3) with at least one actuating element (35) and with at least one transmission unit (38), the cooking utensil (3) being arranged on the first hotplate (21) of the hob (2), with at least the following steps: • transmission ( 100) a first signal from the transmitting unit (38) of the cooking utensil (3) when the operating element (35) of the cooking utensil (3) is actuated (050) by a user, • receiving (200) the first signal by the receiving unit (22) of the Hob (2), • evaluating (250) the first signal received by the hob (2), • inductively operating (300) at least the first hotplate (21) of the hob (2) with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period of time Dependency of the evaluation of the received first signal, • sending (450) a second signal from the transmitting unit (38) of the cooking utensil (3) when the cooking utensil (3) is inductively supplied by the first hotplate (21), • receiving (500) the second signal by the receiving unit (23) of the hob (2), and • evaluating (550) the second signal received by the hob (2).