Quasi-Resonant Induction Hob Circuit With Voltage-Based Power Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction cooking appliances require additional costly components for precise control of electrical operations, particularly in measuring voltage and current, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A quasi-resonant oscillation circuit with a resonant tank, a single switching element, and a measuring unit that estimates electrical power based on node voltage, using a voltage divider and a diode to minimize component count and cost, while adjusting switching frequency and parameters to control heating power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional measuring components (voltage and current sensors, operational amplifiers, filters) are used to precisely control electrical operations, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement information (voltage at the first node) that is sufficient for power estimation, eliminating the need for separate current sensing components and complex measurement circuits while maintaining adequate control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage measurement at the first node serves multiple functions: it provides information for power estimation, resonant frequency detection, and control feedback, replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated sensors and circuits for each function
2Measurement precision
If additional measuring components (voltage and current sensors, operational amplifiers, filters) are used to precisely control electrical operations, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary measuring components (current sensors, operational amplifiers, filters) from the bill of materials, directly reducing component count and manufacturing cost while retaining sufficient measurement capability through voltage-only sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple voltage divider circuit using basic resistors instead of expensive precision measurement instruments, achieving adequate measurement precision with low-cost components that simplify manufacturing
3Device complexity
If a single switching element and voltage divider are used to minimize component count, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but measurement precision and control capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single voltage measurement at the first node perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously (power estimation, frequency detection, control feedback), extracting maximum information from a minimal sensor set to maintain precision without adding complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct power measurement to voltage-based indirect measurement, using the relationship between voltage and power in the resonant circuit to achieve accurate control through simpler voltage sensing
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective control of electrical operations in induction cooking appliances by reducing the need for complex measurement circuits and enabling precise power regulation with a single sensor, thereby optimizing heating performance.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant tank, in particular a resonant circuit, for generating an electrical and/or magnetic field and/or heating power
Implementation Method 2
The inductive resonant element is used to generate energy for heating a cooking vessel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an oscillation unit, in particular oscillation circuit (2), more in particular quasi-resonant oscillation circuit, for generating heating power for an induction cooking appliance (1), in particular for a domestic induction cooking appliance and/or an induction hob, the oscillation unit comprising a resonant tank (30), in particular a resonant circuit, for generating an electrical and/or magnetic field and/or heating power, the resonant tank (30) in particular connected to a first node (21),an, in particular single, switching element (35) connected to the resonant tank (30), in particular by the first node (21), and driven with switching signals for oscillating the resonant tank (30), a measuring unit (40) for measuring a first electrical parameter of the resonant tank (30), in particular for measuring a voltage (VCE), more in particular for measuring a node voltage (VCE) of the first node (21), and an estimating unit (45) for estimating a second electrical parameter, in particular an electrical power, of the resonant tank (30) based on the first electrical parameter, an induction cooking appliance and a method for operating an oscillation unit.