Variable Induction Hob With Dynamic Zone Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hob devices lack flexibility and convenience in operation, as they typically have fixed cooking zones and limited control over heating power, making them less adaptable to different cooking utensils and requiring complex manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A hob device with a variable cooking surface featuring a heating element matrix or movable induction heating elements, a control unit that allocates and adjusts power to specific cooking zones based on operator inputs, and an indication unit for easy zone management, allowing for flexible operation and intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cooking zones are used in conventional hob devices, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different cooking utensils and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable heating element that can be positioned at different locations on the cooking surface and assigned to different control modules. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the cooking zone to adapt to various utensil positions and sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity by making the heating element position variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cooking surface where a single movable heating element can serve multiple cooking zones by being assigned to different control modules. This multi-functionality allows the same physical element to fulfill different cooking requirements at different times, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple fixed control modules are provided for different cooking zones, then each zone can be controlled independently, but the operational complexity increases and user-friendliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic assignment of control modules to different cooking zones through software configuration rather than fixed hardware assignments. The control unit can reassign control modules to different heating elements or cooking zones based on user input, simplifying operation by allowing flexible zone management without requiring complex physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the control system by allowing reassignment of control modules to different cooking zones. This software-based parameter change enables users to customize the control layout and zone assignments according to their needs, improving ease of operation without adding physical complexity to the control hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable cooking surface with movable heating elements is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable heating element that can be repositioned on the cooking surface, providing dynamic flexibility in zone configuration. This single movable element approach is more manufacturable than multiple fixed elements, as it requires only one heating element assembly with positioning mechanisms rather than multiple separate heating element assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal heating element design that can function in multiple positions and be assigned to different control modules. This multi-functional element reduces manufacturing complexity by standardizing the heating element design rather than requiring different elements for different zones, while still providing flexible configuration through movement and assignment.
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
The solution provides high flexibility and convenience by allowing operators to freely assign cooking zones to operating modules, ensuring efficient heat distribution and intuitive operation, while also enhancing failure resistance and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating element, especially an induction heating element designed to convert at least 100 W, in particular at least 500 W, advantageously at least 1000 W, preferably at least 2000 W, electrical heating power into an electromagnetic radiation field
Implementation Method 2
which is designed to be converted into heat in at least one cooking vessel, in particular at least its base, by means of remagnetization and eddy current effects
Implementation Method 3
the variable cooking surface has at least one sensor unit, which is formed, in particular, by the heating elements themselves, and which is designed to detect placed cooking cookware, in particular by measuring at least one inductance and/or at least one capacitance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The device (12a) has an operating unit (20a) that is provided with control modules (22a,24a,26a,28a). The control unit (18) is provided to the variable cooking surface (14a), for controlling the input from the operating unit. An allocation unit (50a) is provided to assign selected control module in response to operator input from the operating unit to the cooking zone (42a,44a) of the variable cooking surface. An indication unit (30a) is provided between the control modules and the cooking zones of the variable cooking surface. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for operating induction hob device.