Optical Insulation Base Detection in Induction Cooking Hobs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooking systems face issues with poor heat resistance and imprecise detection of insulation bases, leading to operational reliability and efficiency problems due to thermal damage and thermal losses.

Innovation Solution

An induction cooking system with an optical sensor unit for precise detection of an insulation unit between the mounting plate and food receiving element, using RFID transponders for improved thermal insulation and efficient heat transfer management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an RFID system is used to detect the presence of the insulating base, then the detection function is provided, but the heat resistance is insufficient and positioning precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidheat resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the RFID electromagnetic detection system with an optical sensor system that uses light to detect the presence of the insulating base. The optical sensor unit emits light through the insulating base and detects the reflected or transmitted light, providing reliable detection without exposing electronic components to high temperatures. This substitution of detection mechanism resolves the heat resistance issue while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the detection medium between the sensor and the insulating base. Instead of using RFID electromagnetic fields that require heat-resistant electronics, the system uses optical signals that can be transmitted through the insulating base material itself, serving as both the detection medium and the thermal insulation barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If an RFID system is used to detect the presence of the insulating base, then the detection function is provided, but the positioning precision is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the RFID electromagnetic detection system with an optical sensor system that uses light to detect the presence of the insulating base. The optical sensor unit emits light through the insulating base and detects the reflected or transmitted light, providing reliable detection without exposing electronic components to high temperatures. This substitution of detection mechanism resolves the heat resistance issue while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the detection medium between the sensor and the insulating base. Instead of using RFID electromagnetic fields that require heat-resistant electronics, the system uses optical signals that can be transmitted through the insulating base material itself, serving as both the detection medium and the thermal insulation barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If thermal insulation is provided between the mounting plate and food receiving element, then heat transfer losses are reduced, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal lossesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the thermal insulation function with the detection function by integrating the optical sensor unit into the insulating base structure. The insulating base serves dual purposes: providing thermal insulation between the mounting plate and food receiving element, and housing the optical sensor that detects its presence. This integration reduces system complexity by combining multiple functions into a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating base is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a thermal insulation barrier and as a carrier for the optical detection system. The optical sensor unit integrated into the insulating base performs detection while the insulating material provides thermal protection, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances operational reliability and heating efficiency by preventing thermal damage and reducing heat transfer losses, while increasing cost-effectiveness and design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor unit is designed for optical detection of the presence of the insulation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an insulation unit for thermal insulation of a mounting plate from a food receiving element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4451802B1Cooking system, cooking hob device, cooking utensil and method for operating a cooking system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4451802B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4451802B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4451802B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooking system (10a; 10b), in particular an induction cooking system, comprising an insulation unit (12a; 12b) for thermally insulating a cooking plate (14a; 14b) from a food receiving element (16a; 16b) and a sensor unit (18a; 18b) for detecting the presence of the insulation unit (12a; 12b) between the cooking plate (14a; 14b) and the food receiving element (16a; 16b). To increase operational reliability and efficiency of the cooking system, it is proposed that the sensor unit (18a; 18b) be designed to optically detect the presence of the insulation unit (12a; 12b).