Overlapping Induction Coils with Flux Guiding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating arrangements face challenges in efficiently aligning and heating pots of varying sizes and shapes due to the fixed location of induction coils underneath a plate, leading to suboptimal energy transfer and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of overlapping induction coils with strategically placed magnetic flux guiding elements to concentrate and direct the magnetic field, allowing for flexible adaptation to different pot sizes and positions, and a selector device to manage power distribution and reduce electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional circular induction coils are used with fixed locations underneath the plate, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but pots of different sizes and shapes cannot be aligned optimally with the induction field, resulting in suboptimal energy transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The heating surface is divided into multiple independent heating zones, each with its own induction coil (circular, rectangular, or oval). This segmentation allows different zones to be activated independently based on pot size and shape, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction hob is designed with multiple heating zones that can serve different functions simultaneously or independently. Each zone can accommodate different pot types and sizes, making the device universally applicable to various cooking needs without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple induction coils are used to cover different areas, then adaptability to different pot sizes is improved, but electromagnetic interference between coils increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic flux guiding elements are extracted and placed between adjacent induction coils to actively manage and contain the magnetic fields. These elements redirect stray magnetic flux, preventing interference between adjacent coils and reducing energy losses, thereby enabling multiple coils to operate efficiently in close proximity.
3Area of stationary object
If induction coils are placed close together to maximize surface coverage, then area utilization is improved, but magnetic flux interference between coils increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic flux guiding elements act as intermediary components positioned between adjacent induction coils. These elements serve as mediators that actively manage the interaction between magnetic fields, directing flux lines and preventing harmful interference, thereby enabling dense coil placement for maximum surface coverage.
4Ease of operation
If pots are not perfectly aligned with the induction coil field, then ease of placement is improved, but energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic flux guiding elements are strategically positioned and oriented to dynamically adapt to pots of various sizes and positions. The guiding elements flexibly redirect magnetic flux to follow the contours of different pot geometries, maintaining high energy transfer efficiency whether the pot is perfectly centered or slightly offset from the coil.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by focusing magnetic field lines on the pot, accommodating various pot sizes, and reducing energy consumption by optimizing the magnetic field distribution and minimizing electromagnetic losses.
Implementation Method 1
induction heating has become widely available in recent years... transfer from the high-freguency electromagnetic field into the metallic pot
Implementation Method 2
use of overlapping induction coils with strategically placed magnetic flux guiding elements to concentrate and direct the magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
An induction heating arrangement (1000) comprising: - at least one first induction coil (1, 1500) - at least one second induction coil (2, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400), - the second induction coil (2, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) partially overlapping with the first induction coil (1, 1500) in an overlapping region (3, 1511, 1512, 1513 1514), - wherein outside of the overlapping region (3, 1511 to 1514) the first induction coil (1, 1500) and the second induction coil (2, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) are each provided with several respective guiding elements (11 to 17, 25 to 29, 1110 to 1114, 1210 to 1214, 1310 to 1314, 1410 to 1414) for guiding magnetic flux of the respective induction coil, - wherein within the overlapping region (3, 1511 to 1514) at least two further guiding elements (21, 22, 23, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1321, 1322, 1323, 1421, 1422, 1423) for guiding the magnetic flux of the first induction coil (1, 1500) and/or the second induction coil (2, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) are arranged, - at least a first one (21, 23, 1121, 1123, 1221, 1223, 1321, 1323, 1421, 1423) of the further guiding elements being spaced apart from an axis (A) which runs in a radial direction of the first induction coil (1, 1500) as well as in a radial direction of the second induction coil (2, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) and being oriented or arranged parallel to or inclined to said axis (A).