Countertop with induction hob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs made of glass ceramic can be damaged by excessive heat and pose a scalding risk due to prolonged heat retention after cooking, especially when not clearly visible that the hob is still hot.
Innovation Solution
A countertop with an induction hob made of sintered stone like Lapitec, equipped with a safety device using RFID technology for the removable protection elements, which ensures correct positioning and prevents high-temperature operation without the protection element, thereby reducing the risk of hob damage and user injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hob surface is made of glass ceramic to provide a flat and aesthetically attractive surface, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the resistance to high temperatures and thermal shock deteriorates, resulting in material breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sintered stone as a composite material that combines the aesthetic appeal and flat surface of glass ceramic with superior thermal resistance and mechanical strength. This composite material resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of cleaning and thermal shock resistance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass ceramic to sintered stone, which has different thermal and mechanical properties. This parameter change allows the hob surface to withstand higher temperatures and thermal shocks while maintaining its flat and cleanable surface.
2Strength
If the hob surface thickness is increased to 4.5 mm to provide mechanical strength at high temperatures, then the strength is improved, but the thermal expansion and breakage risk increase due to greater thermal shocks
Solution Approach 1:
Sintered stone provides a favorable strength-to-thermal-expansion ratio, allowing the hob surface to maintain mechanical strength at high temperatures while experiencing less thermal expansion and breakage risk compared to glass ceramic of the same thickness.
3Reliability
If removable protection elements are used to prevent hob surface heating, then the protection from thermal damage is improved, but the device complexity increases and the aesthetic appearance deteriorates when protection elements are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The sintered stone hob surface inherently resists thermal damage without requiring additional protection elements. The material's natural thermal properties provide self-protection, eliminating the need for removable mats or covers and maintaining aesthetic appearance at all times.
4Productivity
If the heating ramp is made steeper to reach operating temperature faster, then the productivity is improved, but the thermal shocks increase, resulting in hob surface breakage
Solution Approach 1:
Sintered stone's superior thermal properties allow for steeper heating ramps that reach operating temperatures faster while withstanding the increased thermal shocks without breaking, unlike glass ceramic surfaces.
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 solution effectively prevents the induction hob from overheating and reduces the risk of scalding, while maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of the sintered stone material, ensuring safe and efficient cooking.
Implementation Method 1
when the inductor is energized, an electromagnetic field is generated in the induced article, i.e. in the bottom of the container making contact with the overlying surface, as a result of magnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic field generates induced currents which, as a result of the Joule effect, heat the bottom of the container
Implementation Method 3
the food contained inside it is heated by means of conduction
Implementation Method 4
heating of the hob surface is due to the phenomenon of thermal conduction between the bottom of the pot, which is subject to heating due to the induced currents, and the hob surface itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A countertop (1) for kitchen furniture comprising a hob (12) with at least one magnetic inductor (14) designed to be used for cooking food and located underneath at least one cooking area (16) of said hob (12), said hob (12) further comprising at least one removable protection element (18) designed to be positioned on top of said at least one cooking area (16). The hob (12) is provided with at least one safety device (20) designed to ensure correct positioning of the at least one removable protection element (18).