Cooking Table Top with Light-Transmissive Heating Region Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table tops with induction heating devices have fixed positions, which limits user flexibility and can damage the printed heating regions due to heat from cooking equipment, making it difficult to change the position of the heating area.

Innovation Solution

A table top design featuring a non-magnetic upper plate with a light-transmissive portion and a light guide that allows the energy supply module to be positioned flexibly, enabling the heating region to be displayed and changed while maintaining the table's rigidity and shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a heating region is printed on the upper plate, then the heating area can be displayed, but the printing may be damaged by the heat of cooking equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating region displayVSAvoidprinting durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light-transmissive portion as an intermediary element between the light source and the upper plate surface. This light-transmissive portion transmits light to indicate the heating region without requiring direct printing on the upper plate, thereby avoiding heat damage to the printing while maintaining the heating region display function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the induction heating device is fixed at a position, then the table top structure is simple, but the position cannot be readily changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating device position flexibilityVSAvoidtable top structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating indication function from the heating device itself by using a separate light source and light-transmissive portion. This allows the energy supply module to be disposed at various positions independently, enabling position flexibility without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire heating system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical printing method with an optical system consisting of a light source and light-transmissive portion. This substitution allows the heating region to be indicated without physical contact or heat transfer to the upper plate, enabling flexible positioning of the energy supply module while maintaining a simple table top structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If the energy supply module is disposed under the upper plate, then the heating region can be indicated without printing, but the light source and light guide must be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating region indicationVSAvoidlight source and light guide integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source and light guide into an integrated energy supply module disposed under the upper plate. The light source and light-transmissive portion work together as a unified system to indicate the heating region, eliminating the need for separate printing while maintaining manageable complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the energy supply module to be easily positioned at various user-selected locations, preventing damage to the heating region and allowing for flexible placement without compromising the table's structural integrity or functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light-transmissive portion, which is provided in the upper plate and through which the light generated by the light source is transmitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

at least one light guide configured to guide the light, generated by the light source, to the light-transmissive portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS10588180B2Cooking table top with light-transmissive portions

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Provided is a table top including: an upper plate, which is constituted by a plate-shaped non-magnetic member so as to support an electronic or cooking device placed thereon; an energy supply module, which is disposed under the upper plate so as to supply energy to the electronic or cooking device; at least one light source configured to generate light; and at least one light-transmissive portion, which is provided in the upper plate and through which the light generated by the light source is transmitted; and at least one light guide configured to guide the light, generated by the light source, to the light-transmissive portion, wherein the at least one light guide allows at least a portion of the light, generated by the light source, to be emitted upward from the upper plate through the light-transmissive portion.