Multi-coil Induction Warming System with Independent Power Inverters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction warmers and cookers lack efficient control over temperature and power distribution, leading to suboptimal heating performance and limited adaptability to different cooking vessels.
Innovation Solution
The induction heating system incorporates a power inverter with transistors that convert DC input to AC output, an induction circuit with multiple working coils producing a magnetic field, and a control circuit that adjusts the power inverter based on user input, inductance measurement, and resonant frequency determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional thermal conduction cooking surfaces are used, then heating is achieved through flame, but temperature control precision and heating efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical thermal conduction heating (flame) with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction coil generates an oscillating magnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the ferrous cooking vessel, creating heat within the vessel itself rather than through external flame contact. This substitution enables precise temperature control and higher heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a power inverter to dynamically adjust the frequency and amplitude of the alternating current supplied to the induction coil. By changing these electrical parameters, the system can precisely control the strength of the magnetic field and consequently the heating rate, achieving accurate temperature control while maintaining high heating efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single induction coil is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different cooking vessels and heating zones is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating surface into multiple independent induction coils arranged in a grid pattern. Each coil can be independently controlled by its own power inverter, allowing selective activation and independent temperature control for different zones. This segmentation provides adaptability to various cooking vessel sizes and types while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-coil induction system provides universal adaptability by allowing any combination of coils to be activated based on the cooking requirements. Whether heating a single small pan or multiple large pots, the system can flexibly configure which coils operate, making the device universally applicable to different cooking scenarios without requiring excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coil positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adjustability for different cooking needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable coil positions where the induction coils can be moved along the heating surface to different locations. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt to various cooking vessel sizes and shapes. The coils remain electrically connected through flexible wiring or magnetic coupling, maintaining electrical connectivity while allowing physical repositioning for optimal heating coverage.
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 system enables precise control over temperature and power distribution, improving heating efficiency and adaptability to various cooking vessels, while also allowing for adjustable cooking surface configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a power inverter including one or more transistors configured to receive a direct current (DC) input and produce an alternating current (AC) output
Implementation Method 2
an induction circuit including at least two working coils configured to receive the AC output and produce a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field interacts with a ferrous material to generate heat in the ferrous material
Implementation Method 3
The oscillating magnetic field induces an eddy current in the ferrous cooking vessel. The ferrous cooking vessel acts as a resistance to the induced eddy current. The resistance to the induced eddy current produces heat in the cooking vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating system includes a housing, a heating surface, a first power inverter disposed within the housing, a second power inverter disposed within the housing, a first plurality of working coils, and a second plurality of working coils. The first plurality of working coils is connected in series. The first plurality of working coils is disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the first power inverter. The second plurality of working coils is connected in series. The second plurality of working coils is disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the first power inverter. The first plurality of working coils and the second plurality of working coils are configured to receive power from the first power inverter and the second power inverter, respectively, to produce magnetic fields that interact with a ferrous material of cooking vessels or of the heating surface to generate heat in the ferrous material.