Flexible Textile Substrate for Induction Hob Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively integrating sensor coils and temperature sensors for pan detection, often requiring complex and expensive conductor foils or flexible printed circuit boards, which are difficult to produce and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A flexible support made of textile material, such as glass fibers, with embedded sensor coils and temperature sensors, using a common connection device for electrical contacting, and optionally a rigid support for stabilization, allowing for simpler and more cost-effective production and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductor foils or flexible printed circuit boards are used to connect sensor coils and temperature sensors, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the flexible support into functionally distinct zones: a first region for sensor coils and a second region for temperature sensors. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by enabling separate production and assembly of different sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for both sensor coils and temperature sensors, enables electrical connection through integrated conductive elements, and allows for thermal management. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conductor foils or circuit boards, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If conductor foils or flexible printed circuit boards are used for electrical connection, then connection stability is improved, but production cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of mechanical support and electrical connection into a single flexible support structure. The support includes integrated conductive elements that simultaneously provide structural integrity and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate conductor foils or flexible printed circuit boards and thereby reducing production cost and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support utilizes materials with specific thermal and electrical parameters that enable it to maintain stable electrical connections under varying temperature conditions. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate conductivity and thermal expansion properties, the invention achieves connection stability without requiring complex assembly processes or expensive components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used for sensors, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of deformation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a flexible support structure made from materials that can deform without compromising the integrity of embedded sensors. This flexible membrane-like structure provides sufficient mechanical stability to hold sensor coils and temperature sensors in place while allowing the overall assembly to be easily deformed and adapted to different hob configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support is constructed from composite materials that combine the mechanical strength needed for structural stability with the flexibility required for easy deformation. These composite materials maintain their structural integrity under normal operating conditions while allowing the support to be bent or shaped during installation and assembly processes.
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 enables quick and safe electrical connection of sensors, reduces material costs, and allows for flexible and easy deformation, improving the assembly process while maintaining temperature resistance and sensitivity for pan detection.
Implementation Method 1
several sensors or inductive sensors such as sensor coils, which are arranged under the hob plate and above the induction heating coil
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor or several temperature sensors are also provided, with a temperature sensor being arranged close to the sensor coil or directly on the sensor or on the sensor coil
Implementation Method 3
at least one induction heating coil arranged under the hob plate, advantageously several induction heating coils
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction hob has a hob plate, a plurality of induction heating coils arranged below the hob plate and a plurality of sensor coils and temperature sensors arranged below the hob plate and above the induction heating coil. The sensor coils and the temperature sensors are arranged on a flexible carrier and electrically contacted thereon with electrical conductors. The flexible carrier has a single common connection device for electrical contacting.