Movable Induction Heating Module for Arbitrary Vessel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses struggle to heat cooking vessels efficiently when they are positioned arbitrarily, as the heating module is typically fixed at a predetermined location, limiting flexibility and accuracy in heating.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus with a movable heating module that can adjust its position based on the recognized location of a cooking vessel, using a substrate with multiple coil patterns and an inverter to supply resonance current, allowing for stable and uninterrupted electric current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the heating module is fixed at a predetermined location, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot heat cooking vessels positioned arbitrarily
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position along the lower plate to match the cooking vessel's location. This dynamic configuration enables the heating module to adapt to various vessel positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating module serves multiple functions: it can heat cooking vessels at any position on the upper plate, and its position can be adjusted based on vessel location. This multi-functionality increases heating coverage without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the heating module moves to track the cooking vessel, then heating accuracy improves, but maintaining stable electric current supply becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the cooking vessel and the heating module, detecting the vessel's position and transmitting this information to the controller. This intermediary enables accurate position recognition without directly complicating the heating module's movement or power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the cooking vessel's position and provide real-time information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the heating module's position accordingly, maintaining accurate alignment while ensuring stable power supply through coordinated control.
3Measurement precision
If multiple coil patterns are used on the substrate, then position recognition accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into multiple coil patterns arranged in specific configurations. Each coil pattern can be independently controlled and contributes to position recognition. This segmentation enables accurate position determination through comparative analysis of signals from different coils while keeping each individual coil relatively simple.
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 efficient heating of cooking vessels regardless of their position, ensuring accurate recognition and adjustment of the heating module, and maintaining a stable electric current supply even when the heating module moves.
Implementation Method 1
Induction heating involves a technology of enabling induced current to flow without directly contacting an object subject to heating. For example, induction heating may include a technology or method for generating heat in a cooking vessel disposed in a magnetic field space having a magnetic field formed around a coil when electric current is supplied to the coil.
Implementation Method 2
An induction range may use induction heating (IH). Induction heating involves a technology of enabling induced current to flow without directly contacting an object subject to heating.
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to supply resonance current to each of the plurality of coil patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking apparatus includes an upper plate configured to support a cooking vessel, a heating module that is movably disposed in a space under the upper plate and that includes a coil, a substrate that is disposed between the upper plate and the heating module and that includes a plurality of coil patterns, an inverter configured to supply a resonance current to each of the plurality of coil patterns, and a controller configured to control the heating module, the substrate, and the inverter. The controller determines a position of the cooking vessel on the upper plate based on the number or a frequency of pulses of resonance current supplied to each of the plurality of coil patterns. The cooking apparatus recognizes the position of the cooking vessel disposed on the cooking apparatus and moves the heating module to the recognized position.