Nested Induction Hob Coils for Uniform Thermal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction hobs face inefficiencies in power usage, installation space, component arrangement, and cost due to the fixed positioning and limited flexibility of their inductive coils, leading to non-uniform heat distribution in cooking utensils.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob device incorporates multiple coils, including a first and second coil displaced and overlapping relative to each other, with a control unit capable of operating them simultaneously, allowing for improved power distribution and thermal efficiency by optimizing coil arrangement and electrical connection in parallel or series.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple coils are used with fixed positioning, then power distribution can be improved, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested coils where inner coils are positioned within the footprint of outer coils. Specifically, a first coil is arranged with a second coil inside its perimeter, and a third coil is arranged with a fourth coil inside its perimeter. This nesting allows multiple inductive elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, improving power distribution across the cooktop without proportionally increasing the overall installation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar coil arrangement to three-dimensional spatial utilization by stacking coils at different heights and orientations. The nested configuration allows coils to be positioned in multiple layers, effectively using vertical space to accommodate more inductive elements without expanding the horizontal footprint of the induction hob.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple coils are used with fixed positioning, then power distribution can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction hob is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each controlled by separate coils. The control unit can selectively activate individual coils or combinations of coils to serve different cooking requirements. This segmentation allows flexible power distribution across multiple zones while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts which coils are active and at what power levels based on real-time cooking requirements. The system can switch between different coil configurations (single coil, multiple coils, nested coils) to adapt to various pot sizes, cooking tasks, and power demands, optimizing both efficiency and simplicity for each operating condition.
3Temperature
If coils are displaced and overlapping, then thermal distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested coil arrangement provides inherent positioning tolerance because the inner coils are contained within the perimeter of outer coils. This geometric relationship is easier to manufacture than precise edge-to-edge alignment, as the nested configuration maintains effective thermal distribution even with moderate positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coils are merged in both space and function to create overlapping magnetic fields that collectively provide uniform thermal distribution. The combined effect of nested and adjacent coils compensates for individual coil positioning tolerances, as the overlapping fields ensure consistent heating across the cooktop surface even with manufacturing variations.
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 configuration enhances power efficiency, installation space utilization, and cost efficiency while achieving a uniform thermal distribution in cooking utensils, increasing flexibility and coverage resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The coil, in particular, comprises at least one winding and preferably several windings like at least two, at least five, at least ten and/or at least fifteen windings, in particular located in one layer and/or preferably in several layers. Advantageously, the coil is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which is converted into heat in a bottom of a cooking utensil by means of eddy currents and/or magnetization and demagnetization effects.
Implementation Method 2
The coil, in particular, comprises at least one winding and preferably several windings like at least two, at least five, at least ten and/or at least fifteen windings, in particular located in one layer and/or preferably in several layers. Advantageously, the coil is provided to generate an alternating electromagnetic field, which is converted into heat in a bottom of a cooking utensil by means of eddy currents and/or magnetization and demagnetization effects.
Implementation Method 3
at least one first coil and at least one second coil which are displaced relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the cooktop and in particular at least when seen in a direction parallel to a main extension plane of the cooktop
Data Source
AI summary
An induction hob device includes at least one cooktop, at least one first coil, at least one second coil, and a control unit. The first coil and the second coil are displaced relative to each other at least in a direction perpendicular to the cooktop. In order to improve an efficiency, the control unit is configured to at least temporarily operate the first coil and the second coil simultaneously.