Induction Hob Boiling Detection with MEMS Zone Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen hobs face challenges in accurately detecting boiling states for multiple cooking vessels on induction hobs, leading to inefficient energy control and potential overcooking.
Innovation Solution
The use of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) acceleration sensor to detect vibrations from boiling substances, combined with temperature detectors, allows for precise identification of boiling vessels and controlled energy supply to maintain simmering, with a single vibration sensor effectively monitoring multiple zones and a dielectric medium protecting the sensor from magnetic and thermal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vibration sensor is used to monitor multiple heating zones, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying which vessel is boiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring task by segmenting the vibration signal analysis into zone-specific patterns. Each heating zone has characteristic vibration patterns when a vessel boils, and the control unit analyzes these segmented patterns to identify which specific zone contains boiling liquid, thereby maintaining measurement precision while using a single sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by manipulating induction power according to a pattern over time and analyzing vibration patterns across different time points. This allows the system to identify boiling vessels by observing how vibration characteristics change during the power manipulation cycle, adding a time-based dimension to the detection process
2Measurement precision
If induction power is manipulated to detect boiling patterns, then boiling detection accuracy is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to additional power manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic manipulation of induction power to create detectable vibration patterns. By periodically varying the power supply to induction coils and observing corresponding periodic vibration responses, the system can identify boiling states through these rhythmic patterns, achieving accurate detection through timed, periodic energy input rather than continuous high-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vibration sensor readings to adjust power manipulation strategies. The control unit monitors vibration patterns in real-time and uses this feedback information to determine when boiling occurs, allowing the system to optimize energy usage by manipulating power only when needed for detection rather than continuously
3Measurement precision
If the vibration sensor is placed close to heating zones for better detection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to magnetic and thermal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric medium as an intermediary between the vibration sensor and the heating zones. This intermediate layer allows vibration signals to pass through while blocking harmful magnetic fields and reducing thermal exposure, thereby protecting the sensor from direct exposure to extreme conditions while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite material structures that combine properties of different materials to create an environment suitable for sensor operation near heating zones. The dielectric medium serves as a composite solution that simultaneously addresses magnetic shielding, thermal insulation, and vibration transmission requirements
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 accurate boiling detection and energy control across multiple zones, preventing overcooking and ensuring continuous simmering, while protecting the sensor from damage and ensuring long-term functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acceleration sensor (1500) arranged on the induction hob (1000) to detect vibrations caused by bubbles forming inside of a heated substance
Implementation Method 2
an induction coil (2200) arranged underneath the cooking zone (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) to heat a substance in a cooking vessel (2100) placed on the cooking zone
Implementation Method 3
at least one dielectric medium (2505) arranged between the acceleration sensor (1500) and the induction coil (2200) to protect the acceleration sensor (1500) from magnetic waves and electric fields
Data Source
AI summary
Induction hob with boiling detection and induction energy control, method for heating food with an induction hob and computer program productAn induction cooking hob and a method for heating food as well as a computer program product are disclosed. Based on information of a micro-electromechanical system (1500) in combination with a temperature sensor associated to a heating zone, vibrations can be detected and a heating zone associated with the boiling substance can be properly discriminated from one supporting a pot having a non-boiling substance in it. Subsequent simmering of the substance can be automatically effected. An indication will be provided to a user (1680), and an automated function can be started (1610) including boiling and subsequent simmering, respectively indication of a boiling substance on any of the heating zones on an induction hob (1000).