Inductive Cooktop Power Transfer for Cord-Free Appliance Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Kitchen appliances often require strategic placement near outlets, leading to cord clutter and reduced counter space, while stoves with heat conductive materials compromise efficiency and usability.
Innovation Solution
An inductive power transfer system that identifies and powers kitchen appliances by driving an inductive primary at multiple frequencies, measuring the secondary's response, and controlling power supply based on the frequency profile to optimize appliance usage and reduce cord clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric appliances are placed near outlets, then power supply is reliable, but cord clutter increases and counter space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power cord from the appliance by implementing wireless power transfer through induction cooking technology. The power supply is separated from the appliance body, allowing the appliance to be placed anywhere on the cooktop without physical cord connections, thereby eliminating cord clutter and maximizing counter space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cord connection system with an electromagnetic induction power transfer system. Instead of physical electrical cords connecting appliances to power outlets, the system uses electromagnetic fields generated by the cooktop to wirelessly power appliances, eliminating the need for visible cords and improving kitchen ergonomics.
2Area of stationary object
If heating element is placed beneath heat conductive material, then additional countertop space is provided, but heating efficiency is reduced due to insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different material properties in different zones. The cooktop surface uses heat conductive material only where needed for appliance contact, while maintaining direct exposure of heating elements in other areas. This localized approach provides countertop space functionality without compromising overall heating efficiency, as the heat conductive material is strategically placed rather than universally applied.
3Ease of operation
If cord is made longer to increase appliance mobility, then usability in various positions is improved, but cord clutter and counter space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the physical cord from the system by implementing wireless power transfer. Appliances gain complete mobility across the cooktop surface without any cord constraints, eliminating the trade-off between cord length and counter space occupation. The induction cooking system provides unrestricted movement while maintaining clean, clutter-free countertops.
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
Enhances kitchen ergonomics by allowing flexible appliance placement, improving counter space utilization, and providing efficient power management to various appliances, including those with non-magnetic cookware.
Implementation Method 1
driving an inductive primary of a power supply of the inductive power transfer system
Implementation Method 2
measuring a response of an inductive secondary of the inductively powered kitchen appliance
Implementation Method 3
a heating element, a secondary coil and a capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7
AI summary
A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.