Smart Pot Identification for Consistent Hob Heating Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting the presence of a pot on an induction cooking hob cannot differentiate between multiple pots, especially when they are similar or identical, making it impossible to identify the specific pot and maintain consistent heating settings when moved to different cooking points.

Innovation Solution

A method where each pot is equipped with a temperature sensor and transmitter that sends unique identifiers and temperature data to the hob control, which uses a power profile template to generate a heating signature, allowing the hob to recognize and store the pot's identity and adjust heating accordingly, enabling seamless transfer between cooking points without manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If induction current measurement is used to detect pot presence, then the presence detection function is achieved, but the ability to differentiate between multiple pots is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepot presence detection accuracyVSAvoidpot identity information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

An RFID tag is introduced as an intermediary component attached to the pot. This tag stores and transmits unique pot identity information to the hob control, enabling differentiation between multiple pots without interfering with the induction heating process or temperature measurement functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates multiple detection capabilities: the induction coil serves both for heating and presence detection, while the temperature sensor monitors pot temperature, and the RFID tag provides identity identification. This multi-functional approach allows simultaneous achievement of presence detection, temperature control, and pot differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If no pot identification system is implemented, then the system structure remains simple, but consistent heating control across different cooking points cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidheating consistency across cooking points

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual pot identification and tracking with an automated RFID-based recognition system. When a pot is placed on any cooking point, the hob control automatically reads the RFID tag, identifies the pot, and retrieves or assigns appropriate heating parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent heating control across different cooking points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual pot identification is required when moving pots between cooking points, then heating parameters can be adjusted, but user intervention time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual adjustment capabilityVSAvoiduser intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the hob control automatically performs pot identification via RFID tag reading and adjusts heating parameters without user intervention. When a pot is moved between cooking points, the system autonomously tracks the pot's location, maintains its identity recognition, and adapts heating settings, allowing users to simply move pots without any manual configuration or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the hob to automatically identify and maintain consistent heating for specific pots across different cooking points, facilitating smooth cooking processes and precise temperature control without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The induction cooking field has an induction heating coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor and a transmitter are attached to the pot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP3001771B1Method for detecting the identity of a pot on a cooking point of a hob and system of a hob with a pot

Publication Date: 2017.04.05 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH

AI summary

A set of a hob with a hob plate and a cooking point at the hob plate together with a pot, wherein the hob has at least one heating element placed underneath the hob plate and wherein the cooking point is provided with a pot sensing means for detecting presence of a pot on the cooking point, wherein the hob also has a control and receiving means connected to the control, wherein the pot is provided with a temperature sensor and a transmitter attached to it, wherein the transmitter is transmitting at least two sets of data, wherein the first set of data is an individual pot identifier and the second set of data is related to the temperature state of the pot being measured by the temperature sensor.