Embossed Metal Hob Support Plate to Prevent Cooktop Sagging

Solution Overview

Problem

Hobs with metal support plates face sagging issues due to the weight of heavy induction heating devices, which existing solutions attempt to address through separate support beams or indentations, but these methods are complex and not fully effective.

Innovation Solution

A single metal support plate with integrated elongate reinforcement embossments spanning its central region, providing stability and reinforcement while maintaining a flat design, eliminating the need for separate carriers and simplifying production through embossing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If separate support beams are provided to prevent sagging, then the support plate stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport plate stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the support plate itself through embossments that are formed as an integral part of the plate during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate support beams and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement embossments are formed during the manufacturing process of the support plate itself, before the plate is installed in the hob. This preliminary formation of support structures eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If separate support beams are provided to prevent sagging, then the support plate stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport plate stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement embossments are formed during the manufacturing process of the support plate itself, before the plate is installed in the hob. This preliminary formation of support structures eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is merged into the support plate itself through embossments that are formed as an integral part of the plate during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate support beams and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If the support plate is made thicker to prevent sagging, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport plate strengthVSAvoidsupport plate weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The embossments create curved, three-dimensional reinforcement structures on the support plate. These curved geometries provide structural strength and rigidity to resist sagging while maintaining a relatively thin overall plate thickness, thereby avoiding the need to increase plate weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing strength by adding material in the planar dimension (thicker plate), the solution adds structural complexity in the vertical dimension through embossments. This creates reinforcement structures that provide strength without significantly increasing the plate's weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If indentations are made in the support plate, then the electrical capacitance is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical capacitanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitance-reducing indentations are merged with the support-reinforcing embossments into a single integrated feature. This dual-function design reduces electrical capacitance between the induction coil and support plate while simultaneously providing structural reinforcement, without requiring separate manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 sagging of the support plate, enhances its stability, and reduces production complexity by integrating reinforcement features directly into the plate, ensuring a robust and flat surface for heating devices.

Implementation Method 1

the support plate has at least one embossed reinforcement, which is elongate and runs in a direction from an outer side of the support plate towards an opposite outer side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmbossing:

Data Source

PatentEP3737211B1Hob with a flat support plate for heating devices and method for manufacturing such a support plate

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 E G O ELEKTRO GERAETEBAU GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A cooktop has a flat metal support plate on which heating elements are arranged, and a control unit and power regulator are located beneath the support plate. The support plate has several elongated reinforcing indentations that run from one outer surface of the support plate to the opposite outer surface. The reinforcing indentation has a width that is 2% to 20% of its length, and is therefore relatively narrow. The reinforcing indentation projects downwards from one surface of the support plate and extends beyond its surface, thus providing reinforcement against deflection.