Variable-Size Induction Heating Plate for Varying Cookware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional induction cooking zones often deliver suboptimal power due to incomplete coverage by cooking vessels, as the power delivery is maximized only when the vessel fully covers the inductor surface, leading to inefficiencies with varying container sizes.
Innovation Solution
An induction cooking hearth with multiple assemblies of coils arranged side by side, allowing independent or synchronous operation, with each assembly powered by a single current generator, ensuring high power delivery regardless of container size through optimized coil placement and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large coil assembly is used to cover the entire hob surface, then the coverage area is maximized, but the power delivery becomes weak when containers do not fully cover the coil surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking hearth is divided into multiple independent coil assemblies (typically 4-6 assemblies) that can operate independently or in combination. Each assembly covers a specific zone and can be individually controlled based on container placement, ensuring optimal power delivery regardless of container size or position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific coil assemblies based on real-time detection of container position and size. The control system adjusts which assemblies operate together to match the container footprint, optimizing both coverage area and power delivery efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple small coils are arranged side by side to cover the hob surface, then the coverage area is increased, but the electromagnetic match and power delivery remain suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using many small independent coils, the patent segments the hearth into a moderate number of larger coil assemblies (4-6 per hob), each with sufficient surface area to provide strong electromagnetic coupling with containers of various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coil assemblies can be electrically connected and operated simultaneously to merge their electromagnetic fields, creating a larger effective heating zone while maintaining optimal power density across the combined area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If concentric coils are used to adapt to different container diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the coil assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearth is segmented into multiple independent coil assemblies arranged in a grid or radial pattern, allowing flexible combination of adjacent assemblies to match various container footprints without requiring complex concentric winding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Each coil assembly is designed with universal applicability to serve multiple container sizes and positions. By strategically placing and sizing the assemblies, a single assembly or combination of assemblies can effectively heat various container types, eliminating the need for specialized concentric coil configurations.
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 achieves a high rate of surface coverage (>70%) and efficient power delivery to containers of various sizes, ensuring effective heating and temperature distribution, even with larger or irregularly shaped vessels.
Implementation Method 1
An induction cooking zone generally consists of a circular coil adapted to the dimension of a cooking vessel of given size
Implementation Method 2
The container is considered as a resistive load by the current generator supplying the inductor
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a variable-size induction heating plate comprising a plurality of windings (10a, 10b, 10c, 10'a, 10'b, 10'c) arranged in a cooking surface. Said heating plate comprises two sets (10, 10') of a plurality of windings arranged side-by-side, each set (10, 10') of windings being adapted in such a way as to form a heating plate, and control means (12, 12', 13) which are adapted in such a way as to control the operation of the sets (10, 10') both in an independent manner and a synchronous manner. Each set of windings is fed by a single current generator (11, 11 ). The inventive heating plate can be used in an induction cooking surface.