Inductive cooking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive cooking systems face challenges with wireless communication between cookware and cooktops, leading to potential safety hazards and non-compliance with safety standards, and require separate power stations for operation, complicating storage and design.
Innovation Solution
An inductive cooking system that uses inductive power signals for pairing and communication between cookware and cooktop, eliminating the need for additional energy storage in the cookware by using the cooktop's inductive power for signal transmission, allowing a single actuation to initiate and control the cooking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless communication (RFID/transponder) is used between cookware and cooktop, then data transmission and automatic control are enabled, but remote control capability arises that can endanger user safety and violate safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light sensor and LED) between the cookware and cooktop communication systems. The cooktop communicates with the cookware by modulating light signals that are detected by a light sensor in the cookware, eliminating direct wireless electromagnetic communication while maintaining data transmission capability. This intermediary approach prevents remote control hazards while preserving automatic cooking control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system (RFID/transponder) with an optical detection system. Instead of using electromagnetic fields for communication, the system uses light modulation and detection mechanisms, substituting one physical field interaction with another that cannot penetrate cookware materials, thereby eliminating remote control capability while maintaining communication functionality.
2Power
If separate power station is used for cooktop operation, then inductive cooking function is enabled, but storage space is increased and design is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power station functionality directly into the cooktop structure. The inductive heating coil and control electronics are integrated into the cooktop unit itself, eliminating the need for a separate external power station. This consolidation reduces storage space requirements and simplifies the overall system design while maintaining full inductive cooking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooktop is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the cooking surface and the power generation unit. The cooktop's glass-ceramic surface integrates the inductive heating coil, control electronics, and user interface, making the cooktop a multi-functional device that eliminates the need for separate power station hardware.
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
Ensures safe and compliant operation by preventing remote interference, simplifies cookware design, reduces storage needs, and enables efficient, automated cooking processes without batteries.
Implementation Method 1
EP 1 816 659 A1 shows the transfer of energy from a primary coil of a hob to a secondary coil in a cookware by means of induction
Implementation Method 2
the conductor loop (32) is configured to receive the first predetermined inductive power from the first cooking zone (21) of the cooktop (2), wherein the conductor loop (32) is further configured to generate, by receiving the first predetermined inductive power, the electrical energy for transmitting the second signal from the transmitting unit (38) of the cookware (3)
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), wherein the inductive cooking system (1) comprises: • a cooktop (2) with at least one first cooking zone (21) and with at least one receiving unit (23), and • at least one cookware (3) with at least one actuating element (35) and with at least one transmitting unit (38), wherein the cookware (3) is arranged on the first cooking zone (21) of the cooktop (2), comprising at least the steps of: • transmitting (100) a first signal from the transmitting unit (38) of the cookware (3) when the actuating element (35) of the cookware (3) is actuated (050) by a user, • receiving (200) the first signal by the receiving unit (22) of the cooktop (2), • evaluating (250) the received first signal by the cooktop (2).• Inductive operation (300) of at least the first cooking zone (21) of the cooktop (2) with a first predetermined power for a predetermined period depending on the evaluation of the received first signal, • Emitting (450) a second signal from the transmitting unit (38) of the cookware (3) when the cookware (3) is inductively supplied by the first cooking zone (21), • Receiving (500) the second signal by the receiving unit (23) of the cooktop (2), and • Evaluating (550) the received second signal by the cooktop (2).