Cooktops with integrated extraction hoods and scales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops with integrated scales face issues with liquid and vapor infiltration, which can damage electric parts, requiring frequent replacement of insulating seals.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop design that incorporates a main body with a top surface for heating elements and a suction opening for fume extraction, combined with weight sensing means and a support element that overlaps the suction system, ensuring a fluid-tight seal without additional seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulating seals are used to prevent liquid and vapor infiltration, then the electric parts are protected, but the seals are prone to wear and must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the seals entirely from the system by repositioning the weight sensing means to a location where they do not require sealing against the cooking environment. The support element with weight sensors is positioned on the inner surface of the cooktop above the suction means, eliminating the need for seals between the scale and the cooking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction means serve as an intermediary structure that both extracts cooking fumes and provides a mounting surface for the weight sensing means. By placing the support element on the inner surface above the suction means, the system uses the existing sealed suction structure to protect the electronic components without requiring additional seals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scale is integrated into the cooktop, then weight measurement function is added, but the complexity of sealing arrangements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction means are given a dual function: they continue to extract cooking fumes while also serving as a mounting structure for the weight sensing means. The support element positioned on the inner surface above the suction means allows the same structural area to fulfill both extraction and measurement functions without requiring separate sealed compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the suction system and weight measurement system into a single integrated arrangement. The support element with weight sensors is positioned on the inner surface above the suction means, combining the fume extraction pathway and weight measurement function in one structural location, thereby eliminating the need for additional sealing arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support element overlaps the suction means, then the same area serves dual purposes, but the sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensing means are extracted from the cooking surface level and positioned on the inner surface above the suction means. This vertical repositioning removes the weight sensors from direct exposure to liquids and vapors while maintaining their measurement function, as the support element with sensors is located in the sealed interior space above the cooking area.
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 same area to be used for both fume extraction and weight sensing, eliminating the need for additional seals and reducing maintenance by maintaining a sealed environment.
Implementation Method 1
the downdraft hood is configured to generate a descending current that is higher than the ascending flow rate of cooking steam, so that such steam is extracted toward the cooktop in a vertical downward direction
Implementation Method 2
Weight sensing means are placed between the support element and the main body, to sense the weight of any objects placed thereupon
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop may include: a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a suction opening; at least one cooking area configured to accommodate a heating element proximate to the top surface; suction means in fluid communication with the suction opening and configured to draw in cooking fumes; a support element connected to the main body; and weight sensing means between the support element and the main body for sensing a weight of objects to be weighed. The support element may at least partially overlap the suction means. The suction means may include: a suction duct in fluid communication with the suction opening; and a housing in fluid communication with the suction duct and configured to receive filters for the cooking fumes. The weight sensing means may be at the suction duct and/or the housing. The suction opening may be on the top surface.