Flexible Design Frame for Cooking Hob Installation Level Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of installing a cooking hob are increased due to the need for a custom-designed frame to adapt to the geometric differences between the hob and the worktop, particularly when the hob is positioned at levels other than the same as the worktop.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped spring element and a flexible design frame that encloses the top sheet of the cooking hob, allowing for easy adaptation to different levels and forming a continuous surface with the worktop, while eliminating the need for supporting functions in the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a custom-designed frame is used to adapt to geometric differences between the cooking hob and worktop, then the cooking hob can be installed at different levels, but the complexity and cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible design frame that can bend and adapt to different geometric relationships between the cooking hob and worktop. This flexible frame eliminates the need for custom-designed rigid frames for each installation scenario, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability to different installation levels and cutout geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The design frame is made dynamically adaptable through its flexible nature, allowing it to conform to various installation configurations. Instead of static, pre-configured frames for each scenario, the flexible frame can be adjusted during installation to match the specific geometric relationship between the hob and worktop.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a custom-designed frame is used to adapt to geometric differences, then the cooking hob can be installed at different levels, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible design frame serves as a universal component that can be used for all installation scenarios regardless of the specific geometric relationship between the cooking hob and worktop. This single multi-functional frame replaces the need for multiple custom-designed frames, significantly reducing material costs and installation expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame's flexibility allows it to change its geometric parameters (shape, angle, position) to adapt to different installation configurations. This parameter adaptability eliminates the need for costly custom manufacturing for each scenario, as the same frame can be adjusted to fit various requirements.
3Device complexity
If the frame is used for both supporting and covering functions, then the structure becomes more integrated, but the frame complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the supporting function (performed by mounting means beneath the worktop) from the covering function (performed by the flexible design frame). This segmentation allows the frame to be simpler in construction, focusing only on its covering and sealing role, while the support structure handles the mechanical loading independently.
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
This solution simplifies the installation process by allowing the cooking hob to be installed at various levels with reduced complexity and cost, ensuring a seamless integration with the worktop while maintaining a continuous surface and providing sealing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element has a U-shaped form and/or is a leaf-spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooking hob with a design frame (12) and at least one fastening element (20). The fastening element (20) is detachably or permanently attached or attachable at an outer portion of the cooking hob. The fastening element (20) is provided to attach the cooking hob at an inner side wall of a cutout (16) in a worktop (18) enclosing circumferentially said cooking hob. The design frame (12) encloses a top sheet (10) of the cooking hob in order to cover a gap between the inner side wall of a cutout (16) and the top sheet (10) of the cooking hob. The design frame (12) is made of a flexible material, so that the top sheet (10) and the worktop (18) can be arranged at different levels, wherein the top sides of the design frame (12), the top sheet (10) and the worktop (18) form substantially a continuous surface. Further, the present invention relates to an according design frame (12) for the cooking hob.