Split-Case Induction Cooker Layout for Heat and Short-Circuit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tabletop induction heating devices face issues with undesirable heat generation and electrical short-circuits due to closely packed components, and they can be unstable on tables, posing a risk of accidents during cooking.

Innovation Solution

The design features a divided case structure with the power supply unit and working coil spaced apart, allowing a table plate to fit between them, reducing thickness and enhancing stability, while also incorporating a pressure sensor and slip prevention member to secure the device and prevent accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the induction heating device is manufactured with thin thickness to improve appearance, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the components become too close together causing heat generation and electrical short-circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidelectrical safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into a first case and a second case that are separated by a predetermined distance, with the power supply unit housed in one case and the working coil in the other. This segmentation physically isolates the components to prevent heat generation and electrical short-circuits while maintaining a thin overall profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If the induction heating device is made with thin thickness, then the appearance is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the power supply unit and working coil into different cases with a gap between them, hot air generated by the components can flow through the space between the cases, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining a thin device profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the induction heating device is placed on the table without proper mounting structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes unstable and may move causing accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement convenienceVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A table plate is introduced as an intermediary element that fits into the space between the first and second cases. The table plate provides stable support for the device on the table surface, preventing movement and accidents while maintaining ease of placement and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of moving object

If the power supply unit and working coil are placed close together to reduce device size, then the volume is reduced, but undesirable heat generation and electrical short-circuits occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two separate cases housing the power supply unit and working coil respectively, with a predetermined distance between them. This segmentation prevents harmful heat generation and electrical short-circuits by ensuring adequate spacing between components while maintaining a compact overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively dissipates heat, reduces the risk of electrical short-circuits, and allows for easy mounting and demounting from tables, enhancing safety and appearance by providing a more stable and aesthetically pleasing induction heating solution.

Implementation Method 1

a working coil (310), which creates a magnetic field for the induction of eddy currents in pan (300) so as to heat the pan (300)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensor (800) for detecting a weight of the pan (300)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3226652B1Induction heating device
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3226652B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3226652B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3226652B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An induction heating device is disclosed. The induction heating device includes a working coil for creating a magnetic field for induction of eddy currents in cooking equipment so as to heat the cooking equipment, a power supply unit for providing induction voltage to operate the working coil, and a case for accommodating the power supply unit and the working coil. The case includes a first case and a second case, and the first case and the second case define therebetween an insertion space into which a plate is fitted.