Cooktop Engagement Element Design for Precise Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices, particularly induction hobs, face challenges in achieving precise component alignment, efficient assembly, and long service life due to complexities in arranging the operating and control units while ensuring electromagnetic shielding and easy assembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a carrier unit with engagement elements that reach through a space-dividing element to position the operating unit accurately, along with an auxiliary assembly unit for fine alignment, and uses a shielding space-dividing element to prevent electromagnetic interference, allowing for secure and efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the operating unit and control unit are arranged in a compact configuration, then the device occupies less space, but the alignment precision and assembly complexity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier unit as an intermediary component between the operating unit and control unit. This carrier unit provides a standardized mounting interface with positioning elements that ensure precise alignment of components while maintaining a compact overall device volume. The carrier unit acts as a mediator that decouples the alignment requirements from the compact configuration constraints.
2Device complexity
If traditional assembly methods are used without engagement elements, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly time is longer and positioning is less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements engagement elements and positioning features that are pre-integrated into the carrier unit and control unit. These pre-configured engagement elements enable quick and accurate assembly by guiding the components into proper alignment during the assembly process, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning and alignment adjustments.
3Reliability
If the space-dividing element is added for electromagnetic shielding, then the service life and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the space-dividing element with electromagnetic shielding functionality into a single integrated component. The carrier unit incorporates both the structural support function and the electromagnetic shielding function, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability through better electromagnetic interference protection.
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
This configuration enables precise component alignment, reduces assembly time, and enhances the service life of the hob device by ensuring accurate positioning and shielding from electromagnetic radiation, while avoiding the need for additional insulation for electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the space-dividing element is designed as a shielding element, in particular as an electromagnetic shielding element, and is provided to shield at least the control unit from electromagnetic radiation caused by at least one heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop device (10), in particular an induction cooktop device, comprising at least one control unit (12), at least one support unit (14) designed to hold the control unit (12), and at least one divider element (16) which, at least when assembled, is arranged on one side of the support unit (14) facing away from the control unit (12). To provide a generic device with improved characteristics regarding precise and/or positionally accurate arrangement of components and/or short assembly time and/or long service life, it is proposed that the support unit (14) has at least one engagement element (18) which, at least when assembled, extends at least partially through the divider element (16).