Magnetic Stirrer Heater Layout for Automated Induction Cooking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen appliances lack a reliable and efficient method for automatic stirring during induction heating, particularly for ferromagnetic cooking vessels, which can lead to inefficient energy use and risk of food burning due to constant attention required for stirring viscous substances.

Innovation Solution

A combined heating and stirring arrangement using a magnetic and electrical stirring device propelled by a magnetic field, with a non-ferromagnetic cooking vessel to allow controlled magnetic field distribution, and a propelling mechanism based on magnetic attraction and repulsion, utilizing multiple coils and ferrite guides for efficient energy focusing and stirring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magnetic stirrer is used with induction heating in a ferromagnetic cooking vessel, then the stirring function is achieved, but the magnetic field is distorted and heating efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic stirring functionVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A non-magnetic, non-conductive cooking vessel is introduced as an intermediary between the induction heating source and the ferromagnetic cooking vessel. This intermediary allows the magnetic field to pass through undistorted for stirring purposes while the induction heating directly heats the food contents, bypassing the need for heat transfer through the ferromagnetic vessel wall which would distort the magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the stirring function and heating function into independent components. The magnetic stirrer operates independently using magnetic fields that pass through the non-magnetic vessel, while induction heating independently heats the food through electromagnetic induction. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If a thermally conducting cooking surface is used, then heat transfer from heating device to cooking vessel is enabled, but thermal energy is drawn out of the cooking vessel reducing cooking efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer capabilityVSAvoidcooking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A non-thermally conducting cooking surface material is used as an intermediary layer. This material allows magnetic fields to pass through for stirrer operation while preventing thermal energy from being drawn out of the cooking vessel, thereby maintaining cooking efficiency and energy retention within the vessel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If induction heating is used with ferromagnetic vessels, then heating is achieved, but the magnetic field is absorbed by the vessel reducing stirring effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidstirring effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A non-magnetic, non-conductive cooking vessel serves as a mediator that allows magnetic fields to pass through to the ferromagnetic stirrer without being absorbed or distorted by the vessel itself. This enables effective stirring while induction heating simultaneously heats the food contents directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables efficient, energy-saving, and highly controllable heating and stirring of food, preventing burning and simplifying the cooking process by allowing automated control of heating and stirring speed, reducing the need for constant attention and minimizing appliance components.

Implementation Method 1

the heating mechanism is based on magnetic induction, as in this manner the food can be heated in an energy-efficient and highly controllable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a propelling mechanism based on magnetic attraction and repulsion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction and repulsion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the guide of the magnetic field lines is made of ferrite material, which is highly suitable for guiding magnetic field lines and thus leads to a high efficiency of the magnetic propelling mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field guiding: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2886026B1Combined heating and stirring arrangement method for heating food and heating stirrer
Publication Date: 2016.11.09 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP2886026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2886026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2886026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses a facilitated cooking method which allows it to stir and heat food on the basis of magnetic fields preferably respectively by induction cooking. A magnetic stirrer heater (110) is preferably propelled by coils (125, 128) and heated by an induction coil (110). A corresponding arrangement and a magnetic stirrer heater are disclosed as well. The combined heating and stirring arrangement can be used for automated cooking by carrying out the stirring and heating of the food according to a time schedule.