Cooking device and method for producing a cooking device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation units in cooking appliances, particularly induction hobs, are insufficient for modern safety standards due to decreasing distances between induction heating units, light-emitting diodes, and electronic units, necessitating improved electrical insulation and stability.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance design featuring a dual insulation unit with two flat insulation elements, one positioned below the lighting unit for insulation from the control unit and the other above for insulation from the heating unit, connected in a non-positive or positive manner, and made of materials like mica for enhanced electrical insulation and stability, while reducing material and assembly costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single insulation unit is used, then the device structure is simple, but the electrical insulation performance is insufficient for modern safety standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulation performanceVSAvoidinsulation unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation unit is divided into multiple separate insulation elements (first insulation element, second insulation element, third insulation element) that are arranged between the lighting unit and the heating unit. Each insulation element provides a specific insulation function, and together they achieve the required insulation performance while allowing for modular design and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation elements are nested between the lighting unit and the heating unit, with the lighting unit positioned between the first and second insulation elements, and the third insulation element providing additional insulation. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space while providing multiple layers of insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the distance between induction heating units and LEDs is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but the electrical insulation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Thin insulation elements are used to provide effective electrical insulation between the heating unit and the lighting unit/electronic unit. These thin film-like insulation structures allow for reduced distances between components while maintaining adequate insulation performance, enabling a more compact device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If complex insulation structures are used to meet safety standards, then insulation performance improves, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety standard complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system is segmented into multiple simple insulation elements rather than one complex insulation structure. This segmentation allows each element to be manufactured independently using simple processes and enables flexible assembly, reducing overall manufacturing and assembly costs while meeting safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3603337B1Cooking device and method for producing a cooking device
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3603337B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3603337B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooking device having at least one light unit (10) and an insulation unit (12) provided for electrically insulation the light unit (10). The invention proposes, in order to provide a device of the type in question having improved properties in respect of electrical insulation, that the insulation unit (12) comprises a first insulation element (14) and at least one second insulation element (16), between which the light unit (10) is at least partially arranged.