Infrared Centering for Induction Cooking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering systems for household appliances on induction hobs lack precise alignment feedback, leading to inefficient energy transfer and potential oversizing of the induction generator, as users often misalign the appliances or cooking vessels, reducing overall efficiency and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A centering system utilizing two optical devices, one in the household appliance and one in the induction hob, which communicate via infrared rays to ensure alignment and provide visual feedback through light-emitting diodes, allowing for bi-directional communication and real-time alignment correction, thereby ensuring optimal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If circular marking systems are used on the induction hob to indicate inductor position, then users can identify where to place the cooking vessel, but the alignment precision is insufficient and users still cannot achieve accurate centering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an optical feedback system where optical devices in both the induction hob and the cooking vessel detect each other's position through optical ray exchange. This provides real-time alignment information to the user, enabling precise centering by indicating when the optical devices are properly aligned, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/circular marking system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on static visual markings, the system uses optical devices that emit and detect optical rays to dynamically determine alignment status, providing much higher precision while maintaining ease of use through automated detection.
2Productivity
If users manually position the cooking vessel on the induction hob without precise alignment guidance, then the system is simple to operate, but energy transfer efficiency is reduced and the induction generator must be oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system provides feedback on alignment status, enabling users to achieve precise positioning. This improves energy transfer efficiency by ensuring optimal alignment between the induction hob inductor and the cooking vessel inductor, while the feedback mechanism guides users through the centering process without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-centering through optical feedback. The optical devices automatically detect alignment status and provide information to the user, allowing the user to self-correct the position without external assistance or complex procedures, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If the optical devices are positioned at the center of the inductors, then only two optical devices are needed and rotation around the alignment axis is permitted, but the system requires precise optical alignment detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of alignment indication and rotational freedom by positioning optical devices at the center of the inductors. This central positioning allows the system to use only two optical devices (one in each unit) while enabling rotation around the alignment axis, as the optical detection works from the center point regardless of rotational position, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection precision.
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
The system ensures precise alignment of the inductors, maximizing energy transfer efficiency, reducing the need for oversized induction generators, and providing users with clear alignment feedback to enhance usability and reduce costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical device being provided to generate or receive one or more rays optics and the second optical device being provided to generate or receive one or more optical rays; the centering system being provided to detect the alignment of the first optical device with respect to the second optical device from one or more optical rays emitted by the first optical device and received by the second optical device
Implementation Method 2
the induction hob comprising a generator inductor which is provided to supply energy and which is positioned in the induction hob, the household appliance or the cooking vessel being powered and/or heated wirelessly by the energy supplied by the generating inductor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a centring system for use with a household appliance (1) or a cooking vessel and an induction cooking surface (2), wherein: a first optical device (4) is positioned in the household appliance (1) or the cooking vessel and the first optical device (4) can generate or receive at least one optical beam; and a second optical device (5) is positioned in the induction cooking surface (2) and the second optical device (5) can generate or receive at least one optical beam. The centring system is used to detect the alignment of the first optical device (4) with the second optical device (5).