Cooktop system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hob systems lack flexibility and ergonomics, as they do not allow for the cooking item support to be easily positioned or secured relative to the worktop, affecting the functionality and usability, especially when covering or revealing components like the extraction device inlet opening.

Innovation Solution

A cooktop system with a displaceable cooking item support that can be moved parallel to the cooking area plane, featuring a displacement device for reversible attachment to the worktop, which includes a sealing element and locking mechanism to maintain position and secure the cooking item support, allowing for independent positioning and secure locking in various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cooking item support is fixedly attached to the worktop, then the structural stability is improved, but the positioning flexibility and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking item support is designed to be movable relative to the worktop, transitioning from a fixed attachment to a dynamic, adjustable positioning system. The support can be displaced to different positions and locked in place, providing both stability when locked and flexibility when adjusted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is divided into separate components: the cooking item support, the displacement device, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of the support while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cooking item support is made movable to improve ergonomics, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions between static (locked) and dynamic (movable) states. When the locking mechanism engages, the support becomes stable and fixed. When unlocked, the support can be freely displaced to desired positions, providing ergonomics and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to secure the support in the desired position before cooking begins. This preliminary locking action ensures structural stability is established prior to use, eliminating concerns about stability during the cooking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the cooking item support covers the extraction device inlet opening, then the sealing efficiency is improved, but the accessibility to control components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility to control components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking item support can be dynamically positioned to either cover or expose the extraction device inlet opening and control components. This dynamic positioning allows users to optimize between sealing efficiency and accessibility based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support can be pre-positioned in different configurations: one that covers the inlet opening for optimal sealing during cooking, and another that exposes control components for easy access during setup or adjustment. Users can switch between these pre-configured positions as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3631303B1Cooktop system
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 BRUCKBAUER WILHELM
  • EP3631303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3631303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3631303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cooktop device (2) for heating cooking material. The cooktop device (2) comprises: a cooktop (12), which has at least one energy transmitter (14) and at least one cooking-material support (15); and a movement apparatus (13) for movably fastening the at least one cooking-material support (15) to a worktop (6).