Cooktop Inductive Zone Appliance Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hobs do not provide a convenient and integrated method for operating mobile household appliances, such as kettles or toasters, which limits user convenience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A procedure and control unit for a hob that includes a user interface and a storage area with inductive energy supply capabilities, allowing mobile household appliances to be identified and operated directly through the hob's interface, with adjustable functional ranges and additional features like NFC communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface is designed for traditional cooking operations only, then the hob maintains simple operation for cooking functions, but it cannot operate mobile household appliances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate mobile household appliancesVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface dynamically adapts its functionality based on the detected mobile household appliance. The control unit reads identification signals from the appliance and automatically configures the user interface to provide appropriate control options, transforming a static interface into a dynamic one that adjusts to different devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional cooking control and mobile household appliance operation. By integrating appliance identification capability and adaptive configuration, the same interface handles both cooking zones and portable devices, eliminating the need for separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the user interface is adapted to each specific mobile household appliance, then operating convenience for that appliance is improved, but the interface requires complex adaptation logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappliance operation convenienceVSAvoidinterface adaptation logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically reading identification signals from the mobile household appliance and autonomously determining the appropriate user interface settings. This eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex user setup procedures, as the interface adapts itself based on the detected device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the presence and identification of mobile household appliances through reading identification signals. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust interface functionality in real-time based on which appliance is currently placed on the hob surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If identification signals are read for all placed objects, then the system can distinguish between cookware and mobile appliances, but false readings may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject identification accuracyVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hob surface is divided into distinct functional zones with different properties: cooking zones designed for cookware and a power supply zone designed for mobile household appliances. This spatial differentiation allows the system to apply different identification and control logic to different areas, improving reliability by contextually interpreting identification signals based on location.

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

Enables users to operate mobile household appliances comfortably and intuitively, with enhanced functionality and user interface customization, improving overall kitchen appliance integration and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

When the mobile household appliance is placed on the power supply zone, it can be wirelessly supplied with the power required to operate the mobile household appliance by means of inductive coupling from the hob

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The identification signal can, for example, be read via an interface to a communication module of the parking area, such as preferably a communication coil. The communication module can be designed as a so-called Near Field Communication (NFC) coil for communication.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4546946A1Method and control unit for operating a cooking hob and cooking hob

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 MIELE & CO KG

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Figure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a cooktop (100) having a user interface (114) and a storage area (104) that can be used as an inductive power supply zone for supplying power to mobile household appliances comprises reading an identification signal that includes identifying a mobile household appliance (102) placed on the storage area (104) and determining a range of functions for the user interface (114) adapted to the mobile household appliance (102) using the identification signal.