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 adjusting temperature in the induction cooktop.
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, in this preset cooking functions, pressure as a parameter is not regulated. For constant pressure cooking methods, pressure needs to be maintained and regulated constantly throughout the cooking process. In conventionally known induction cooktops, one of the known method for maintaining pressure inside the cookware is to constantly adjust the temperature of the induction cooktop to maintain the cookware within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature of the induction cooktop needs to be manually adjusted constantly to maintain the pressure inside the cookware.
[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 adjusting the temperature.
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 temperature sensor configured to detect bottom surface temperature of a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to the main PCB which operatively controls the coil to generate the electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop.
[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. The induction cooktop includes a control PCB comprising a plurality of touch key contacts configured to select required modes. The coil is a copper coated aluminum coil. 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.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor is positioned below the high-temperature resistant ceramic glass such that the temperature sensor is in continuous contact with the cookware during cooking. The induction cooktop is in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode for the predetermined time duration based on a pre-defined temperature range to maintain the temperature of the cookware. The main PCB is connected a fan to reduce the temperature of the related circuits during the working condition of the induction cooktop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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 temperature sensor 108, a DC Fan and a ceramic glass. The coil 106 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 temperature sensor 108 configured to detect bottom surface temperature of a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to the main PCB 102 which operatively controls the coil 106 to generate the electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop 100.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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. Further, based on the microcontroller's instructions and the temperature data, the microcontroller sends control signals to the IGBT to manage high power operations.
[0014] The control PCB 104 includes of different touch Key contacts to select required function, a controller/display driver with LEDs. 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 is 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 is fixed above the coil 106 and a cookware may be kept on the ceramic glass for cooking purposes. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coil 106 is a copper coated aluminum coil. Furthermore, the fan is connected to the main PCB 102 and used to cool the IGBT and related circuits during working condition.
[0015] Further, the high accuracy temperature sensor 108 is provided in the induction cooktop 100 to detect bottom surface temperature of the cookware. The temperature sensor 108 is below a center position of the ceramic glass such that it is in continuous contact with the cookware. The temperature sensor 108 continuously monitors the temperature and sends data to the microcontroller. Based on the microcontroller's instructions and the temperature data, the microcontroller sends control signals to the IGBT to manage high power operations. The microcontroller adjusts operations based on feedback from the temperature sensor and other inputs.
[0016] The induction cooktop 100 is provided with a set of preset cooking function for different cooking needs such as heating milk, slow cook, pressure cook, stir fry etc. When any such function in the induction cooktop 100 is selected, the cookware is heated continuously. As the pressure inside the cookware builds up, the bottom surface temperature of the cookware increases. At a particular pre-defined temperature range, the induction cooktop 100 starts working in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode for the predetermined time duration for the selected function. The ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode of the induction cooktop 100 maintains the cookware in the predefine temperature range, thereby maintaining the pressure inside the cookware. The bottom surface temperature and ‘ON’/’OFF’ working time is different for different functions and arrived through extensive actual cooking of each dish with minimum and maximum quantity of dish in the cookware. Further, the induction cooktop 100 is 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.
[0017] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages.
[0018] The invention provides an induction cooktop. The induction cooktop avoids human intervention from the start to the end of the cooking process. The “Auto” mode of the induction cooktop enables 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 additional components to constantly check pressure release in the cookware instead uses temperature regulation as a means to regulate pressure inside the cookware. The induction cooktop improves energy efficiency of the induction cooktop by keeping it in ‘ON’ condition only when required during cooking process.
[0019] 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 temperature sensor 108 configured to detect bottom surface temperature of a cookware and transmit corresponding signals to the main PCB 102 which operatively controls the coil 106 to generate the electromagnetic field to produce heat of the induction cooktop 100.
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 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 temperature sensor 108 is positioned below the high-temperature resistant ceramic glass such that the temperature sensor 108 is in continuous contact with the cookware during cooking.
6. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coil 106 is a copper coated aluminum coil.
7. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the induction cooktop 100 is in ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ mode for the predetermined time duration based on a pre-defined temperature range to maintain the temperature of the cookware.
8. The induction cooktop 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main PCB 102 is connected a fan to reduce the temperature of the related circuits during the working condition of the induction cooktop 100.