Hotplate device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooktop devices lack flexibility and comfort in operation, as they do not allow for easy attachment and detachment of cooking utensil handles, and do not effectively monitor cooking parameters, leading to suboptimal cooking experiences.

Innovation Solution

A cooktop device with a detachable and reusable cooking utensil handle equipped with a sensor unit and evaluation unit, featuring an adjustable sensor element and a contact element for secure attachment, which can detect and evaluate cooking parameters independently, allowing for flexible use across different utensils and precise temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cooking utensil handle is made detachable and reusable, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to attachment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking utensil handle is divided into separate components: a carrier component that attaches to the cooking utensil and a handle component that provides grip. This segmentation allows the handle to be detachable and reusable while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier component is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can accommodate different types of cooking utensils. The attachment mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the handle, providing structural support, and enabling easy detachment, thereby reducing overall device complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensor units and evaluation units are integrated into the cooking utensil handle, then measurement precision and cooking parameter monitoring are improved, but weight of the handle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of cooking parametersVSAvoidweight of cooking utensil handle

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit and evaluation unit are nested within the carrier component of the handle assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the electronic components to be integrated into the handle structure without significantly increasing the external dimensions or perceived weight of the handle, as the components are housed within the existing structural framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor element is made adjustable to detect multiple measurement positions, then adaptability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of sensor elementVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor element is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different measurement locations on the cooking utensil. The adjustment mechanism uses simple dynamic components that enable the sensor to move between measurement positions without requiring complex actuation systems, thereby achieving adaptability while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a high level of comfort and flexibility by enabling easy attachment and detachment of cooking utensil handles, allowing for precise monitoring and control of cooking parameters, resulting in improved cooking experiences and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor unit has at least one adjustable sensor element for setting at least two, in particular at least four, advantageously at least eight, preferably at least twelve, particularly preferably a large number of different measurement positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

the cooking utensil handle comprises at least one contact element which is arranged on the carrier component at least in the attached state and is intended to produce and/or form at least one connection between the carrier component and at least one cooking utensil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact connection:

Implementation Method 3

the carrier component is at least partially made of a material with low thermal conductivity. In particular, the carrier component is at least partially made of plastic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2823740B1Hotplate device

Publication Date: 2018.02.28 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

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AI summary

In order to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of greater convenience for an operator and/or greater flexibility, a hob device (10a-b) with at least one cooking utensil handle (12a-b), which is intended to be removable in at least one operating state to be attached to at least one cooking utensil (14a-b) and which comprises at least one sensor unit (16a-b) at least for detecting a cooking parameter of the cooking utensil (14a-b).