Cooking Hob Dynamic Display for Adaptive Heating Area Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hob devices lack flexibility and user comfort in marking heating areas, as the marking properties are constant and independent of operating parameters, which limits intuitive identification and adaptability to changing cooking conditions.

Innovation Solution

A hob device with a dynamic display unit and control unit that adjusts marking properties based on select operating parameters, maintaining a constant size and shape of the heating area while changing intensity or color in response to cooking states or heating parameters, allowing for flexible and intuitive marking of heating zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the marking property of the heating area is kept constant, then the device structure is simple, but the user comfort and adaptability to changing cooking conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidadaptability to changing cooking conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The marking property of the heating area is changed dynamically based on operating parameters such as heating power levels. The display unit adjusts the marking characteristics (e.g., intensity, color) in real-time to reflect current cooking conditions, transforming a static marking system into an adaptive one that responds to operational changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The marking property is modified as a function of operating parameters. When the heating power level changes, the control unit adjusts the marking characteristics accordingly, allowing the marking to convey different operational states and providing users with intuitive feedback about current cooking conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the marking property is independent of operating parameters, then the control system is simple, but the intuitive identification of operating properties deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidintuitive identification of operating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The marking property includes color as a variable characteristic. The display unit changes the color of the heating area marking based on the operating parameter, such as displaying different colors for different heating power levels. This provides intuitive visual feedback that helps users quickly identify current operational states without complex displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The marking may incorporate dynamic characteristics such as pulsing or varying intensity that correspond to operating parameters. This dynamic behavior provides intuitive feedback about the current heating state, making the operating properties immediately recognizable to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dynamic display unit is implemented, then the adaptability and user comfort improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking adaptabilityVSAvoiddisplay unit and control unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit serves multiple functions: it marks the heating area boundary, indicates current operating parameters, and provides user feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically adjusts the marking properties based on sensor input and operating conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the display characteristics according to the current cooking state, reducing the need for complex user interfaces while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3384730B1Cooking hob
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3384730B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3384730B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3384730B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is based on a hob apparatus (10a-c) having at least one heating region (12a-c) on which at least one cooking container (14a-c) can be placed for heating purposes, and comprising a dynamic display unit (16a-c) which is provided for identifying the heating region (12a-c) in at least one operating mode. In order to provide an apparatus of the generic type which has improved properties in respect of a high level of convenience, it is proposed that the hob apparatus (10a-c) has a control unit (18a-c) which is provided for selecting at least one identifying property of the identification of the heating region (12a-c) in the operating mode depending on at least one operating parameter.