Multi-Coil Induction Heating System for Variable Food Vessel Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction heating systems for food pans are limited by their design for fixed pan sizes, leading to uneven heating and excessive rim temperature, particularly when smaller pans are used, causing arcing and inefficient heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system with a moveable tray and multiple coil assemblies, each comprising oblong induction coils with varying ferrite densities, coupled with a sensing system and controller to adjust power distribution based on the size and location of the food vessel, preventing rim heating and ensuring even heat distribution across different vessel sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed pan size design is used with a central heating source, then the heating system is simple to design, but the heating distribution becomes uneven and rim temperatures become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent coil assemblies arranged in a grid pattern across the heating surface. Each coil assembly can be independently controlled and generates its own magnetic field zone, allowing the system to segment the heating area to match different pan sizes and shapes, thereby achieving uniform heat distribution without excessive rim heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific coil assemblies based on the detected pan size and position. The controller adjusts which coils are energized and at what power levels, transforming the static fixed design into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes heating distribution for each configuration
2Power
If induction coils are connected in series to enhance magnetic field, then the magnetic field strength increases, but the heat distribution becomes uneven due to inter-coil interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting all coils in series, the system segments the coil assemblies into independent electrical groups. Each coil assembly can be connected to separate power sources or controlled independently, eliminating the cumulative interference effects that occur when coils are connected in series. This allows strong magnetic fields to be generated locally without the negative interference patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power levels and activation states to different coil assemblies based on local requirements. Coils positioned under the pan receive higher power, while coils at the periphery or under empty areas receive reduced or no power, creating a non-uniform power distribution that results in uniform heat distribution across the pan surface
3Ease of operation
If a single heating zone is used for all pan sizes, then the system is simple to operate, but smaller pans experience excessive rim heating and arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence, size, and position of the pan on the heating surface. This feedback information is used by the controller to automatically adjust which coil assemblies are activated and at what power levels, preventing excessive rim heating and arcing while maintaining simple operation for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system automatically adapts to different pan configurations without user intervention. The controller self-adjusts the active coil assemblies and power distribution based on sensor input, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual configuration while preventing harmful rim heating effects
4Device complexity
If the heating source is positioned centrally, then the system design is simplified, but the heating does not extend to the pan perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system uses multiple distributed coil assemblies arranged in a grid pattern that extends to the periphery of the heating surface. This segmented arrangement ensures that heating zones are distributed across the entire area, including the pan perimeter, rather than being concentrated centrally
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point central heating source to a two-dimensional array of distributed heating zones. This dimensional expansion allows heat to be delivered across the entire pan surface area, including edges and corners that would be unreachable from a central position
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
The system provides even heating for various food vessel sizes without overheating the rims, improving efficiency and safety by dynamically adjusting power to the induction coils based on vessel size and location, accommodating different depths and widths of pans.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of coil assemblies mounted to a bottom side of the tray, wherein each coil assembly comprises a plurality of induction coils
Implementation Method 2
heating of the pan is concentrated in a small area near the center of the pan where the heating source is located
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of coil assemblies comprise a ferrite arrangement arranged about the plurality of induction coils, wherein the ferrite arrangement has an increased density proximate to where two of the plurality of induction coils are adjacent
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and media for induction heating a first food vessel of a first size and a second food vessel of a second size include a base defining a well to separately receive the first food vessel and the second food vessel. A plurality of coil assemblies are mounted to a bottom side of a tray. The plurality of induction coils are electrically coupled with an inverter of the induction heating system. A sensing system is configured to indirectly measure a temperature of the first food vessel when the first food vessel is resting in the well and the second food vessel when the second food vessel is resting in the well. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensing system and the inverter and is configured receive the temperature measurement from the sensing system, and control the inverter according to the measurement.