DESC:INDUCTION COOKTOP
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an induction cooktop. In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic cooking function for constant pressure cooking in the induction cooktop by automatically detecting a pressure release sound.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Induction cooktops work on the principle of magnetic induction. An electromagnetic field is generated by passing an alternating electric current through a copper coated aluminum coil wire placed in an induction hob. The produced magnetic field induces an eddy electrical current moving in the cookware. This electrical current flow combines with the electrical resistance of the cookware, resulting in resistive heating for cooking food. As a result, the cookware heat themselves with the?induction?of the electromagnetic field. Also, the amount of heat generated can be regulated for specific cooking requirements. The induction cooktop will generally heat any cookware of suitable conductive material of any size that is placed on the induction hob.
[0003] Generally, the induction cooktops are provided with preset cooking functions. The preset cooking function work on the basis of set parameters like operation time and temperature range. When a specific cooking function in the induction cooktop is selected, the induction cooktop will operate for preset time in preset temperature. However, this preset cooking functions are restrictive to cooking process having temperature and time duration as primary parameters. For constant pressure cooking methods, pressure as a parameter needs to be maintained and regulated constantly throughout the cooking process. In conventionally known induction cooktops, for constant pressure cooking manual attention is required. For constant pressure cooking method, the first pressure release (like a whistle) sound of a cookware (like a cooker) is used for reference manually. Thereafter, the pressure inside the cookware is maintained at a predetermined level by manually keeping count of the pressure release sound of the cookware. The entire cooking process demands constant manual supervision for safe and successful cooking.
[0004] Thus, in view of the above, there is a need for an induction cooktop which avoids manual attention and provides the automatic cooking function for constant pressure cooking by automatically detecting the pressure release sound.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an induction cooktop is disclosed. Further, a coil connected to a main PCB and mounted on a plurality of pillars within the induction cooktop to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat. Further, a sound detection circuit includes a sound detection sensor configured to detect pressure release sound from a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to a microcontroller which operatively controls the power to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop. Further, the coil is a copper coated aluminum coil.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the induction cooktop includes a high-temperature resistant ceramic glass positioned above the coil, configured to support the cookware. Further, the induction cooktop includes a control Printed Circuit Board (PCB) comprising a plurality of touch key contacts configured to select required modes.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller controls the induction cooktop's operational cycles via. a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) such that the induction cook top is in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode to maintain constant pressure within the cookware during cooking. Further, the induction cooktop is equipped with an "Auto" mode function to continuously keep food warm and maintain specific temperature settings for various cooking functions.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) includes a microcontroller, a power supply section, a high voltage section with capacitors, a bridge rectifier, an Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), and a temperature sensor. Further, the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is connected a fan to reduce the temperature of the related circuits during the working condition of the induction cooktop.
[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sound detection circuit includes a microphone fixed at bottom side of the induction cooktop and converts the detected sound signal into an electrical signal. Further, the induction cooktop includes a filter circuit to filter out any signal that is not in the range of the pressure release sound of the cookware frequency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The following drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments for enabling the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an induction cooktop with automatic cooking function in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For the purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an induction cooktop with automatic cooking function in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The induction cooktop 100 includes a main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 102, a control Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 104, a coil 106, a sound detection circuit 110, a DC Fan and a ceramic glass. Further, the coil 106 is connected to the main PCB 102 and mounted on a plurality of pillars within the induction cooktop 100 to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat. Further, the sound detection circuit 110 includes a sound detection sensor configured to detect pressure release sound from a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to a microcontroller which operatively controls the power to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop 100.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 102 includes a power supply section, high voltage section with capacitors, bridge rectifier, Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and a temperature sensor. The power supply section receives an input voltage, typically from an AC source, and converts it to a stable DC voltage that the entire PCB and ensures other components receive the correct operating voltages. Further, in case the input is AC, the bridge rectifier converts the AC voltage to a pulsating DC voltage. This DC voltage is then smoothed out by plurality of capacitors to reduce ripple and provide a more stable DC voltage. The high voltage section with capacitors smooth out these fluctuations, providing a stable DC voltage to the high voltage components.
[0015] The microcontroller controls various functions, such as switching operations, monitoring sensors, and managing power flows. The microcontroller receives power from the power supply section and interfaces with the other components via input/output (I/O) pins. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller may be understood as Arduino UNO. The Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is utilised for switching high voltage and current and is controlled by the microcontroller, which sends signals to turn the Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) ON and OFF.
[0016] The control PCB 104 includes different touch Key contacts to select required modes, a controller/display driver with LEDs and the sound detection circuit 110. The controller/display driver with LEDs is utilized to show the set power/temperature/time, selected function details to show on a panel of the induction cooktop 100. The coil 106 may be connected to the main PCB 102 and mounted on a plurality of pillars inside the induction cook top. The plurality of pillar may be at least three in number. The high temperature withstanding ceramic glass may be fixed above the coil 106 and a cookware may be kept on the glass for cooking purposes. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coil 106 may be a copper coated aluminum coil. Furthermore, the DC fan may be connected to the main PCB 102 and used to cool the IGBT and related circuits during working condition.
[0017] Further, the sound detection circuit 110 may be provided in the induction cooktop 100 for sensing the cookware pressure release sound. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cookware may be a constant pressure cooker and the pressure release sound may be a whistle sound. The output signal of this circuit may be sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller includes Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) which is controlled such that the induction cook top may be in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode of working to keep the pressure constant in the cooker. The duration of ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ cycle may be different for different cooking functions. These timings are arrived after cooking each type of dish with minimum and maximum quantity possible in the cookware.
[0018] The sound detection circuit 110 includes a narrow bandwidth high gain condenser microphone 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the microphone 108 may be fixed at a bottom side of the induction cooktop. The detected sound signal may be converted to an electrical signal by this microphone 108. A filter circuit is connected in the control PCB 104 and consist of capacitors and resistors may be provided to filter out any signal that may be not in the range of the cooker whistle frequency. Two level filtering may be done and the signal may be amplified through transistors and this signal may be sent to a timer circuit where Input AC signal may be converted into constant DC output with reference voltage. In an embodiment of the present invention, the reference voltage is 5V. When the output of this timer circuit may be high for duration of 3 or more seconds, it may be considered as valid cooker whistle sound.
[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the two level of filtering may be understood as that there are two stages of electrical filters. One is high pass filter and next stage is low pass filter. The first stage high pass filter will attenuate low frequency electrical signal whereas the second stage filter will attenuate low frequency signals. These two form a band pass filter and select the correct frequency signals to pass to the next amplification stage.
[0020] When any cooking function in the induction cooktop 100 is selected, the induction cooktop 100 starts to heat continuously. Once the first valid cooker whistle may be detected, the induction cooktop 100 starts working in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode for predetermined time duration of the selected function to maintain constant pressure inside the cooker. Further, the induction cooktop 100 may be provided with a feature to keep the cooked food warm continuously with “Auto” mode for some of the cooking functions. Some functions like deep fry, sauté are general temperature based functions.
[0021] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages. The induction cook top avoids human intervention from the start to the end of the cooking process. The “Auto” mode of the induction cooktop enable to maintain constant pressure in the cookware so that the risk of overheating and excess pressure built up in the cookware is avoided. The induction cooktop eliminates human error by constantly checking the pressure release of the cookware as there is a possibility of overcooking. The induction cooktop improves energy efficiency by keeping it in ‘ON’ condition only when required during cooking process.
[0022] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or offending the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. An induction cooktop 100 comprising:
a coil 106 connected to a main PCB 102 and mounted on a plurality of pillars within the induction cooktop 100 to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat;
a sound detection circuit 110 includes a sound detection sensor configured to detect pressure release sound from a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to a microcontroller which operatively controls the power to generate an electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop.
2. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction cooktop 100 includes a high-temperature resistant ceramic glass positioned above the coil 106, configured to support the cookware.
3. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction cooktop 100 includes a control Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 104 comprising a plurality of touch key contacts configured to select required modes.
4. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction cooktop 100 is equipped with an "Auto" mode function to continuously keep food warm and maintain specific temperature settings for various cooking functions.
5. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coil 106 is a copper coated aluminum coil.
6. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 102 includes the microcontroller, a power supply section, a high voltage section with capacitors, a bridge rectifier, an Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), and a temperature sensor.
7. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller controls the induction cooktop's 100 operational cycles via. a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) such that the induction cook top is in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode to maintain constant pressure within the cookware during cooking.
8. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 102 is connected a fan to reduce the temperature of the related circuits during the working condition of the induction cooktop 100.
9. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound detection circuit 110 includes a microphone 108 fixed at bottom side of the induction cooktop 100 and converts the detected sound signal into an electrical signal.
10. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction cooktop 100 includes a filter circuit to filter out any signal that is not in the range of the pressure release sound of the cookware frequency.