What did later patent filings in the 1970s and 1980s often prioritize over earlier efficiency patents?
Answer
Control electronics like precise power setting, timer functions, and safety interlocks.
The intellectual property timeline reflects the technological evolution of induction. While early patents focused on improving the efficiency of energy transfer, or the 'coupling,' between the coil and the cooking vessel, later patents addressed the usability aspect. Patents filed in the 1970s and 1980s concentrated on the integration of sophisticated control electronics. These innovations included features essential for turning the concept into a practical home appliance, such as the ability to set precise power levels digitally, incorporate timers, and implement necessary safety interlocking mechanisms.
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