Cooktop Induction Heating Assembly Centering and Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of induction cooktops is complicated and time-consuming due to the management of multiple electrical cables during the mechanical and electrical connection of heating assemblies to the support plate.
Innovation Solution
The use of a centering part with positioning elements and connection pads allows for simultaneous mechanical and electrical positioning of heating assemblies on the support plate, eliminating the need for electrical wires by using screws to fix the inductor ends to the connection pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating assemblies are mechanically assembled to the support plate and then electrically connected using electrical cables, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical positioning and electrical connection into a single integrated operation. The heating assembly includes both mechanical positioning elements and electrical connection terminals that are simultaneously engaged with the support plate, eliminating the need for separate cable connection steps and reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, positioning, and electrical connection in one component. The integrated design allows the same structure to fulfill both mechanical retention and electrical connectivity, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical cables are used for connecting heating assemblies, then electrical connection is achieved, but the management of cables complicates the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate electrical cables by integrating the connection terminals directly into the heating assembly structure. This removal of unnecessary cable components simplifies the assembly process and reduces complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through direct terminal engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical structure and electrical connection system are merged into a unified design. The heating assembly incorporates both mechanical positioning features and electrical terminals in one integrated component, allowing simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection without requiring separate cable management, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional assembly techniques are used with separate mechanical and electrical connection steps, then both connections are achieved, but the overall assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical positioning and electrical connection into a single simultaneous operation. The heating assembly is designed with integrated terminals that engage both mechanical support and electrical contact in one action, greatly improving assembly ease while ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connection without requiring multiple separate steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop comprising at least one heating element (2), a support plate (11), and at least one electronic circuit (6) including a printed circuit board (600) fixed to the support plate (11) and two connection pads mounted on the printed circuit board (600). The heating element (2) includes an inductor (200) having two free ends (201). The heating element (2) includes positioning elements configured to cooperate with complementary positioning elements of the support plate (11). The cooktop further includes at least one centering piece (3) assembled to the heating element (2), the centering piece (3) being configured to receive the free ends (201) of the inductor (200) and to position said free ends (201) of the inductor (200) opposite the connection pads.The invention also relates to a method of assembling a heating unit (2) to a support plate (11) of the cooktop.