Modular Spring-Suspended Induction Coil Framing for Flexible Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of induction cooktops lack the ability to change the spatial arrangement of induction coils or substitute coils of different sizes, leading to potential substrate bending and increased vulnerability to fracture due to tensile stress from contact with the induction coil.
Innovation Solution
A platform with numerous apertures allows for adjustable positioning of induction coils, combined with a structural support and coiled springs that contact the substrate without imparting sufficient force to cause flexing, using a grid-like arrangement of panels and cross-panels to accommodate various coil sizes and arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the induction coil contacts the bottom surface of the substrate to decrease distance and increase magnetic field strength, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but the substrate bends and generates tensile stress making it vulnerable to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a platform as an intermediary component between the induction coil and the substrate. The platform has apertures that allow the induction coil to be positioned close to the substrate for strong magnetic field generation, while the platform itself bears the mechanical load and prevents direct contact between the coil and substrate, thus avoiding substrate bending and tensile stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the induction coil is fixed in position to maintain stable magnetic field, then the magnetic field stability is improved, but the user cannot change spatial arrangement or substitute coils of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the platform into multiple segments with distributed apertures throughout its structure. This segmentation allows the induction coil to be positioned at different locations and orientations by selecting different aperture combinations, providing user flexibility in spatial arrangement while maintaining stable magnetic field generation at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform with its multiple apertures serves multiple functions: it supports the induction coil, allows repositioning of the coil, accommodates different coil sizes, and maintains stable magnetic field generation. This universal design enables a single platform structure to handle various cooking configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.
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
Enables flexible configuration of induction coils while preventing substrate flexing and tensile stress, enhancing durability and impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
coiled springs, each defining an inner core and comprising a bottom end and a top end, each of the coiled springs disposed around a different one of the studs of the structural support
Implementation Method 2
The induction coil generates a rapidly changing magnetic field. The rapidly changing magnetic field generates eddy currents in the ferromagnetic vessel, which is resisted and thus creates heat.
Implementation Method 3
The rapidly changing magnetic field generates eddy currents in the ferromagnetic vessel, which is resisted and thus creates heat.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop including: (a) a substrate including (i) a top surface configured to accept a vessel placed thereupon for heating and (ii) a bottom surface, the top surface and the bottom surface facing in generally opposing directions; (b) a structural support disposed below the substrate; (c) a platform disposed above the structural support, the platform comprising apertures; and (d) an induction coil disposed upon the platform and fastened to the platform with fasteners that extend through at least a portion of the apertures of the platform, the induction coil including a top surface that faces the bottom surface of the substrate, wherein, the apertures of the platform are positioned to permit fastening of the induction coil in one of several positions or several of the induction coils of more than one size in more than one spatial arrangement.