Cooktop Frame Structure for Edge Protection Without Pan Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hobs with frame elements protruding beyond the cooktop surface create obstacles and aesthetic issues, while unprotected edges are prone to damage during kitchen operations, especially in modern kitchens with limited space.

Innovation Solution

A hob design featuring filigree, narrow frame elements that do not serve as installation flanges, with a vertical web that ends just below the cooktop edge to prevent obstruction and provide impact protection, using materials like aluminum or elastic plastics with a ribbed structure for shock absorption, and a rubber-elastic adhesive for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a wide frame element is used to protect the hob edge, then impact protection is improved, but the free maneuvering space for cookware is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidfree maneuvering space

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame element's cross-section varies along its length: it has a larger cross-section at the edge region for impact protection, and a smaller cross-section at the installation region to minimize space occupation. This local variation in quality allows the frame to provide protection where needed while preserving cookware maneuvering space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frame element is divided into functionally distinct regions: an edge region with larger cross-section for impact protection, and an installation region with smaller cross-section for mounting. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a wide frame element is used to protect the hob edge, then impact protection is improved, but the aesthetic impression and space efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidaesthetic impression

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame element has different cross-sectional dimensions at different locations: a larger cross-section at the edge for protection, and a smaller, more delicate cross-section at the installation region. This creates a filigree, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire frame uniformly wide for protection (which would be ugly and space-consuming), the invention inverts the approach by concentrating the width only where protection is needed, making the frame narrow elsewhere for aesthetic and spatial reasons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the frame element protrudes beyond the cooktop surface, then impact protection is improved, but it becomes an obstacle to shifting cookware between hobs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidease of shifting cookware

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame element protrudes beyond the cooktop surface only at the edge region where impact protection is needed, while remaining recessed or flush at the installation region. This localized protrusion provides protection without creating obstacles for moving cookware between adjacent hobs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the web ends at the height of the cooktop edge, then impact protection is maximized, but it may obstruct cookware movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact protectionVSAvoidease of maneuvering cookware

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The web has a larger cross-section at its base for impact protection, and tapers to a smaller cross-section toward the top. The top portion may end slightly below the cooktop edge height, providing protection while minimizing obstruction to cookware movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The design enhances user safety by protecting the hob edges from impacts, maintains a clean and inviting appearance, and allows for easy maneuverability of cookware without obstructing the cooktop surface, while reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

a layer of rubber-elastic adhesive on the inside of the frame element, facing the stovetop, and the rigid-elastic frame element can be reversibly deformed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

cookware usually has rounded and/or beveled bottom areas and when they first hit the top edge of the upstanding web, they are deflected upwards on this

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric deflection: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP1970632B1Hotplate

Publication Date: 2019.04.17 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7

AI summary

The cooking hob (18) has a burner (20), whose boundary area (28,29,30,35) overlaps the installation section of the working section in installed condition. A part of the boundary area has a edge protective strip. The burner of the frame elements (38,40,42) is bordered laterally in boundary area, which has a towering rod beside the front surface of the boundary region of the burner in each case. The frame element is made of a metal.