Single-Coil Induction Cooktop for Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Induction heating cooktops face challenges in achieving high output for both magnetic and non-magnetic cooking containers due to differences in material-specific resistance, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs with existing solutions that require additional switching structures.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating cooktop design that uses a single coil and capacitor, operating at a higher frequency band to enhance heating output for both magnetic and non-magnetic containers without a separate switching structure, featuring a working coil with a smaller area than the heating region, and utilizing a SiC element for efficient high-frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a switching structure is added to increase output for non-magnetic containers, then heating output is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional ranges (20-50 kHz) to a higher frequency range (50-100 kHz or higher). This parameter change enables the induction cooktop to achieve sufficient heating output for non-magnetic containers without requiring additional switching structures, thereby resolving the contradiction between power output and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By operating in a higher frequency band, the single coil and capacitor configuration becomes universal for heating both magnetic and non-magnetic containers effectively. The higher frequency enables the system to handle different container materials without requiring separate switching circuits, achieving multi-functionality without increased complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If the area of the working coil is reduced, then manufacturing cost is decreased, but heating coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced coil area by operating at a higher frequency. The increased frequency enhances the effectiveness of the magnetic field generation, allowing a smaller coil to provide sufficient heating power across the required area, thus reducing manufacturing costs without significantly compromising heating coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency periodic switching of the inverter creates rapidly alternating magnetic fields that enhance heating efficiency. This periodic action at higher frequencies allows more effective energy transfer from a smaller coil area to the cooking container, maintaining heating coverage while reducing coil material requirements
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 approach ensures a minimum output of 2 kW or more for both magnetic and non-magnetic containers, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes volume increase, while ensuring safety and performance stability across frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
when high-frequency power having a predetermined intensity is applied to a coil, eddy current is generated in the object to be heated using magnetic fields generated around the coil so that the object to be heated is heated
Implementation Method 2
eddy current is generated in the object to be heated using magnetic fields generated around the coil
Implementation Method 3
an inverter having a switch driven to allow current to flow in the working coil, wherein an area of the working coil may be smaller than an area of the heating region
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heating type cooktop capable of heating both a magnetic body and a non-magnetic body with only a single coil and a capacitor without a separate switching structure is provided. The induction heating type cooktop includes an upper plate glass having a heating region formed so as to heat a cooking container; a working coil generating a magnetic field to heat the cooking container; and an inverter having a switch driven to allow current to flow in the working coil. The area of the working coil may be smaller than the area of the heating region.