Oval-Contour Inductors for Hob Heating Surface Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops with traditional circular inductor arrangements suffer from poor heating distribution due to significant empty space between inductors, leading to inefficient use of the heating plane.
Innovation Solution
The use of inductors with an oval or oblong contour, aligned in oblique directions, allows for better optimization of the heating surface by enabling them to be embedded closer together without overlapping, and simplifies container detection and control, optimizing space usage and heating homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If circular inductors are arranged in a regular grid pattern, then the arrangement is simple and control is easy, but significant empty space remains between inductors causing poor heating distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inductor shape from circular to oval, creating an asymmetric arrangement that allows better space utilization. The oval inductors with their elongated shape can be positioned to minimize gaps between adjacent inductors, thereby increasing the effective heating surface coverage while maintaining a regular grid pattern for simple control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an angular orientation dimension by positioning the oval inductors at specific angles relative to the grid. This angular arrangement allows the inductors to interlock more efficiently in two-dimensional space, reducing empty areas between them while preserving the regular grid structure for ease of control.
2Area of stationary object
If oval inductors are arranged with oblique main axes, then heating surface optimization is improved, but inductor arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oval shape with oblique orientation creates an asymmetric configuration that optimizes space utilization. The elongated form factor allows inductors to be positioned at angles that minimize gaps, maximizing heating surface coverage while the regular repeating pattern maintains manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies geometric parameters including the oval aspect ratio and the angular orientation of the major axis. By optimizing these parameters, the inductors achieve better packing efficiency and heating surface coverage while the systematic nature of the parameter changes keeps the arrangement complexity controlled.
3Area of stationary object
If inductors are closely embedded to optimize heating surface, then empty space is minimized, but mutual inductance between adjacent inductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oval shape with oblique orientation creates non-uniform spacing patterns between adjacent inductors. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the specific angular positioning, helps to reduce the overlap of magnetic fields between neighboring inductors, thereby minimizing mutual inductance while maintaining close packing for optimal heating surface 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 arrangement enhances heating distribution by minimizing empty spaces, optimizing the heating surface, and improving the flexibility and efficiency of heating zone creation based on container size and position.
Implementation Method 1
induction hob comprising a rectangular hob, and several identical inductors each having a center, the inductors being distributed in a two-dimensional arrangement in a heating plane extending under the hob
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An induction cooktop comprising a rectangular cooking plate and several identical inductors (3), each having a center (30), the inductors (3) being arranged in a two-dimensional configuration within a heating surface (2) extending beneath the cooking plate, the centers (30) of the inductors (3) being aligned in rows and columns along a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2). Each inductor (3) is formed from a winding of conductive wires with a substantially oval outline and has a principal axis (A1) of symmetry, the principal axes (A1) of the inductors (3) extending in directions parallel to each other and oblique to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). This arrangement optimizes the space occupied by the inductors within the heating surface.