Trapezoidal Induction Coil for Variable Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs with multiple induction coils lack flexibility in creating varied inductively heated surfaces, with rectangular coils offering limited variability and being less effective for larger pots, while smaller coils are more restrictive in shape and size compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The design features a flat induction coil with a trapezoidal shape, allowing for modular arrangements of identical coils to create differently shaped inductively heated surfaces, with mirror symmetry and angular corners for efficient winding and magnetic field formation, and the use of ferrites for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular induction coils are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the variability in creating differently shaped heated surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is divided into multiple independently controllable coil segments or zones along its length. Each segment can be activated or deactivated individually, allowing the heated surface shape and size to be dynamically adjusted by selecting different combinations of active segments, thereby achieving high versatility while maintaining a simple rectangular overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil design incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the activation state of different coil segments can be changed in real-time based on cooking requirements. This dynamic switching between different segment combinations enables the same physical coil structure to create various heated surface configurations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and shape variability.
2Device complexity
If smaller induction coils are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the compatibility with larger pots is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coil segments are merged into a single rectangular induction coil structure that functions as one integrated unit when all segments are activated. This merging approach allows the coil to provide a large heated surface area compatible with big pots, while the ability to deactivate individual segments enables the creation of smaller effective heating zones for smaller pots, thus achieving multi-size compatibility without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular induction coil is designed to serve multiple functions by activating different combinations of its internal segments. The same physical coil structure can function as a large heating zone for big pots or be reconfigured into smaller effective zones for smaller pots, making it a universal solution that accommodates various cookware sizes without requiring multiple different coil designs.
3Power
If more coil turns are added to increase heating power, then the heating efficiency improves, but the temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is segmented into multiple zones with varying numbers of turns or different activation states. By activating only the necessary segments based on pot size and position, the system can deliver high power where needed while avoiding excessive heat concentration in specific areas, thus maintaining temperature uniformity across the heated surface even when operating at high power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating the entire coil at full power, the system selectively activates only the necessary portions (partial action) based on the actual cooking requirements. This approach provides sufficient heating power for the specific area being used while preventing overheating in unused regions, thereby maintaining good temperature distribution uniformity across the active heating zone.
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 design enables the creation of highly variable inductively heated surfaces, accommodating both large and small pots, with improved magnetic field efficiency and reduced temperature issues, allowing for flexible and efficient heating of various cookware sizes and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
An induction coil can be designed in different ways, being subdivided into four circular sectors of the same size or identical in one embodiment
Implementation Method 2
The invention relates to an induction hob with at least two induction coils
Implementation Method 3
The concept of the angular course is to be seen against the background and the possibilities of the coil wire used
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
In an induction heating device with an induction coil for an induction cooktop, the induction coil is flat or planar and has at least one circumferential coil turn made of coil wire. The outer contour of the induction coil or the outermost coil turn is approximately trapezoidal with two opposite sides of equal length, which are preferably straight, and with two short sides of different lengths in between, which are preferably slightly curved outwards.