Induction heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current induction heating systems are limited to heating at a single position, require complex circuitry for multiple coils, consume excess energy, and fail to detect incompatible materials, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system with multiple induction coils, capacitors, power switches, and a single power inverter, controlled by a controller to individually adjust heating zones and detect material compatibility, reducing complexity and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate inverters are used to control multiple coils for simultaneous heating at different locations, then heating versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coil control functions into a single power inverter by using multiple power switches (at least two) that can independently control different coils. This merging approach maintains the ability to heat multiple locations simultaneously while reducing system complexity and cost compared to using separate inverters for each coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control function within the single inverter by using separate power switches for different coils. Each power switch can independently control its associated coil, enabling selective heating of different zones while sharing the common inverter power conversion stage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If duty cycle control is used to send power to separate coils, then multi-location heating capability is achieved, but system circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion function into a single shared inverter while using multiple power switches for coil control. This approach achieves multi-location heating capability without the complexity of multiple separate inverter circuits, as all coils share the same power conversion stage.
3Device complexity
If a single coil heats a large area, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases when only small areas need heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating area into multiple zones, each controlled by a separate coil with its own power switch. This allows the system to activate only the specific zones that need heating, improving energy efficiency while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through the shared inverter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of individual coils through separate power switches, allowing the system to adaptively activate or deactivate specific heating zones based on actual heating needs, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining system simplicity.
4Area of stationary object
If the system heats all areas simultaneously, then heating coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating system into multiple independently controllable zones with separate coils and power switches. This segmentation enables selective activation of only the required heating areas, maximizing heating coverage when needed while minimizing energy consumption when only small areas require heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial heating action by allowing individual coil activation through separate power switches. The system can apply heating to only the necessary portions of the cooking surface rather than heating the entire area, optimizing energy usage based on actual demand.
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 simultaneous heating at multiple locations, optimizes energy use, and prevents heating of incompatible materials, enhancing safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Induction heating theory uses electromagnetic induction where high frequency alternating current ('AC') flowing through the coil delivers an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
which induces eddy current in metal vessels (such as pot, plate, etc.) and generate heat in the vessels due to the joule heating effect
Implementation Method 3
which induces eddy current in metal vessels (such as pot, plate, etc.) and generate heat in the vessels due to the joule heating effect
Implementation Method 4
The first induction coil and the second induction coil are each electrically connected in series with the one or more capacitors to form a resonant circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An induction system includes a single power inverter, a plurality of power branches coupled to the single power inverter in parallel, and a controller. Each of the plurality of power branches includes an induction coil, a capacitor coupled to the induction coil to form a resonant circuit, and a power switch coupled in series with the resonant circuit. The controller is configured to regulate an output power of the resonant circuit of each of the plurality of power branches by varying a switching frequency of the single power inverter to adjust the output power of the resonant circuit of all of the plurality of power branches and/or selectively transmitting a signal to the power switch of a respective power branch of the plurality of power branches to turn-on and turn-off the power switch of the respective power branch to individually adjust the output power of each of the plurality of power branches.