Cooktop with side frame members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop designs lack effective containment for spills and do not optimize airflow for gas burner assemblies, leading to inefficiencies in flame quality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop assembly featuring first and second frame members coupled to the sides, with a bracket extending along the perimeter, defining a sump and airflow paths that enhance containment and airflow for gas burner assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cooktop designs are used without side frame members, then manufacturing costs are lower and structure is simpler, but spill containment is ineffective and sump depth is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooktop is divided into functional zones using side frame members that segment the cooking surface. The frame members create distinct containment areas (sumps) along the sides of the cooktop, allowing spills to be contained in specific regions rather than spreading across the entire surface. This segmentation approach provides effective spill containment while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
2Device complexity
If traditional cooktop designs are used without side frame members, then the structure is simpler, but sump depth is insufficient for effective containment
Solution Approach 1:
The side frame members extend vertically from the cooktop surface, adding a vertical dimension to the containment structure. This vertical extension creates deeper sumps without requiring a complete redesign of the cooktop base structure. The frame members act as vertical barriers that increase containment depth while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If traditional cooktop designs are used without optimized airflow paths, then the structure is simpler, but flame quality is inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The side frame members incorporate localized airflow features such as apertures or channels at specific positions where gas burners are located. These local airflow optimizations provide targeted air supply to the burners, improving flame quality and combustion efficiency. The airflow paths are optimized only in the necessary locations rather than requiring complex overall airflow system redesign.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional cooktop designs are used without side frame members, then manufacturing is easier, but aesthetic appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side frame members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide spill containment, create visual boundaries that enhance aesthetic appearance, and facilitate airflow management. By combining these multiple functions into a single structural element, the design achieves improved aesthetics without requiring separate components for each function, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 improves containment of spills, increases sump depth, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances flame quality by optimizing airflow, while improving the aesthetics of the cooking appliance.
Implementation Method 1
The first frame member defines a first aperture on an inner surface thereof to define at least a portion of at least one airflow path. A second frame member coupled to an opposing second side of the cooktop. The second frame member defines a second aperture on an inner surface thereof to define at least a portion of the at least one airflow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance includes a body and a cooktop disposed on the body. A plurality of gas burner assemblies is operably coupled to the cooktop. A first frame member is coupled to a first side of the cooktop and defines at least a portion of a sump defined by the cooktop. A second frame member is coupled to a second side of the cooktop and defines at least a portion of the sump defined by the cooktop. A bracket is coupled to the first and second frame members. The bracket extends along a portion of a perimeter of the cooktop between the first and second frame members. The bracket defines at least a portion of the sump defined by the cooktop.