Triangular Induction Coils for Flexible Heating Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction cooking hobs are limited in accommodating cooking pots and pans of different shapes and sizes due to fixed induction coil arrangements, often resulting in cold areas and complex generator systems for full surface induction systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of triangular induction coils, which can be arranged flexibly to form various heating areas, allowing for the accommodation of pots and pans of different shapes and sizes by activating single or combinations of coils, minimizing cold areas and reducing the number of induction coils and generators needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional induction coils are arranged in a predetermined scheme with standardized shapes, then the generator system is simpler, but cold areas appear between the coils and cooking vessels of different shapes and sizes cannot be accommodated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking surface is divided into multiple triangular induction coil zones that can be independently controlled. Each triangular coil acts as an independent heating zone, allowing flexible combination to match different cooking vessel sizes and shapes, thereby eliminating cold areas while maintaining a manageable number of generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates specific triangular induction coils based on the detected position and size of the cooking vessel. This dynamic control allows the heating zones to be adaptively configured to match any vessel shape or size, providing versatility without requiring a fixed predetermined arrangement of coils.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a high number of small round induction coils are used to form full surface induction systems without cold areas, then cold areas are eliminated, but a very complex generator system is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using many small round coils, the system segments the cooking surface into a smaller number of triangular zones. These triangular segments can be combined in different patterns to cover the entire surface, reducing the total number of coils and generators while eliminating cold areas through flexible configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each triangular induction coil is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate independently for small vessels, combine with adjacent triangles for medium vessels, or form part of larger configurations for big vessels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for numerous specialized coils, simplifying the generator system.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized shapes of induction coils are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the base area of cooking pots and pans cannot be substantially superimposable with the area of the corresponding induction coil
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically configures which triangular induction coils are activated based on the detected vessel position and dimensions. This dynamic adaptation allows the effective heating area to precisely match the vessel base area, achieving substantial superimposition without requiring custom-shaped coils for each vessel type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each triangular induction coil is designed with uniform properties for ease of manufacture, but the system applies local quality control by selectively activating specific triangles based on the vessel's position. This allows standardized coils to achieve customized heating patterns that precisely match different vessel base areas.
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 efficient heat distribution across a range of vessel sizes and shapes, minimizing cold areas and reducing production costs by allowing for a simpler generator system and flexible coil arrangements, while maintaining effective heat coverage.
Implementation Method 1
induction cooking hob including a number of induction coils (12)
Implementation Method 2
induction coils shaped as triangular discs
Implementation Method 3
efficient heat distribution across a range of vessel sizes and shapes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) including a number of induction coils (12). Said induction coils (12) are arranged on the induction cooking hob (10) according to a predetermined scheme. At least a portion of the induction cooking hob (10) is covered by the induction coils (12). At least one heating area is formed on the induction cooking hob (10) by activating a single induction coil (12) or a combination of adjacent induction coils (12). At least a portion of the induction hob (12) includes induction coils (12) shaped as triangular discs.