Inductive Rings Array for Variable Power Density Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction cooking systems are limited in varying the power density profile due to fixed configurations of coils or wound rings, restricting the flexibility in heating and cooking properties.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system with a heating device comprising a plurality of inductive rings that can be selectively energized independently, allowing for precise control of the power density profile across the heating zone, enabling uniform or varied power distribution based on object size and material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wound ring or discrete groupings of wound rings are used to generate the magnetic field, then the device structure is simple, but the power density profile cannot vary independently of the coil configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous wound ring into multiple discrete inductive rings arranged in an array. Each ring can be independently controlled to vary the power density profile. This segmentation allows the system to achieve different heating patterns without changing the physical coil configuration, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the inductive rings by selectively energizing different rings or combinations of rings based on the cooking requirements. The system can dynamically adjust which rings are active, their individual power levels, and their operational sequences, enabling real-time variation of the power density profile without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If concentric windings of wound rings are used, then the magnetic field generation is efficient, but the power density profile is fixed by the spacing and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the continuous winding into discrete controllable rings, the system gains the ability to independently control power distribution across different spatial zones. This allows flexible adjustment of the power density profile to match various cooking vessel sizes and cooking requirements, greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different inductive rings to operate at different power levels simultaneously. This enables localized heating control where specific zones can be heated more or less intensely based on the cooking needs, providing precise power density profile control that adapts to different cooking scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete groupings of wound rings are manipulated collectively, then some power density variation is achieved, but the system is still restricted to fixed profiles determined by grouping configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent further segments the discrete groupings into individually controllable rings within each grouping. This allows independent control of each ring rather than collective manipulation, dramatically increasing the variety of achievable power density profiles without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control where the state of each inductive ring can be independently adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to generate a wide variety of power density profiles on-demand, achieving high adaptability without requiring multiple fixed configuration sets or complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms.
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 configuration allows for active control and precise tuning of the power density profile, reducing overheating issues and ensuring consistent heating across the cooking area, improving cooking efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Induction heating is a method of heating an electrically conductive load using an alternating magnetic field to induce currents in the load
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field induces the eddy currents that flow in the base of the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 3
Heat is generated because the cooking vessel exhibits resistance to the induced eddy currents
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating system comprises inductive rings, which in one example are concentrically wound about a center axis to form a coil array. The inductive rings are situated in the coil array to permit activation of the inductive rings independent of the other inductive rings in the coil array. In one embodiment, the induction heating system includes a control structure with a power supply and switches coupled to each of the inductive rings, wherein activation of the switches permits current from the power supply to flow to the corresponding inductive ring. The induction heating system is amenable to appliances such as ovens and ranges, as well as to cooktops such as free-standing cooktops for countertops.