Single-Coil Induction Heating and Wireless Power Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transmission devices for kitchen appliances lack the ability to selectively perform induction heating or wireless power transfer based on the type of appliance, often requiring separate detection circuits and coils, which increases cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional wireless power transmission apparatus using a single working coil that adjusts operation frequency based on user selection, incorporating a controller to detect the target object's type and load state without additional sensors, allowing for mode switching between induction heating and wireless power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate detection circuits and coils are used to detect target object type and load state, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detection circuit and detection coil functions into the existing working coil system. The working coil operates in different modes: first as a detection coil to detect target object type and load state, then as a heating coil for induction heating. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection circuits and coils, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining detection accuracy through intelligent mode switching and frequency adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The working coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a detection coil for detecting target object type and load state, and as a heating coil for induction heating. By making the working coil universal, the patent eliminates redundant components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately detect target characteristics

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If induction heating mode is used for all target objects, then heating function is provided, but safety issues arise when target objects are not suitable for induction heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidsafety issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs detection of target object type and load state before initiating induction heating. The working coil first operates in detection mode to identify whether the target object is suitable for induction heating, and only after successful detection and verification does it switch to heating mode. This preliminary detection action prevents safety issues by ensuring the target object is appropriate for induction heating before applying high-frequency power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the detection phase to control the heating phase. Detection results regarding target object type and load state are fed back to the control circuit, which then determines whether to proceed with induction heating, adjust heating parameters, or terminate operation. This feedback mechanism ensures safety by preventing induction heating of unsuitable objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If working coil operates at high frequency for induction heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but energy loss increases when target object is not present or not suitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the operating frequency of the working coil based on detection results. The system operates at different frequencies: a first frequency during detection mode and a second frequency during heating mode. This dynamic frequency adjustment optimizes heating efficiency when the target is present while minimizing energy loss during detection and when the target is unsuitable for heating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (frequency and power level) based on the operational phase and target object characteristics. During detection, the system uses a first frequency with lower power; when heating is confirmed appropriate, it switches to a second frequency optimized for heating efficiency. This parameter changing strategy maximizes heating efficiency while minimizing energy waste during detection and for unsuitable targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables safe and efficient operation by determining the target object's type and load state, reducing costs and size by eliminating the need for separate detection circuits, and ensuring appropriate mode selection to prevent overcurrent or overheating.

Implementation Method 1

a strong line of magnetic force is generated. The line of magnetic force generated in the working coil or the heating coil forms eddy current while being transmitted through a cooking tool. Thus, as eddy current flows in a cooking tool, heat is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The line of magnetic force generated in the working coil or the heating coil forms eddy current while being transmitted through a cooking tool. Thus, as eddy current flows in a cooking tool, heat is generated to heat a container itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

when alternating current (AC) flows in a transmission coil, a battery is charged by forming a magnetic field around a transmission coil, allowing AC to flow in a reception coil due to influence of the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3873176B1Wireless power transmission apparatus for induction heating and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3873176B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3873176B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3873176B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A wireless power transmission apparatus for induction heating includes a working coil configured to change a mode depending on selection of a user, to change a mode depending on selection of the user, to change an operation frequency depending on the mode, and to induction-heat a target object, or to wirelessly transmit power to the target object, an inverter that is turned on and off depending on the operation frequency and configured to generate the power, and a controller configured to detect the target object and to determine whether the target object is a first group including a small home appliance having a reception coil or an induction heating target object when the user selects a wireless power transmission mode.