Flip top induction cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Induction cooktops occupy valuable countertop space due to bulky circuitry and fixed installations, limiting available surface area for food preparation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable induction cooktop system with a pivotally coupled cooking surface and generator board, allowing the cooking surface to be adjusted between horizontal and vertical orientations, thereby freeing up space when not in use and incorporating a cooling air duct for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If induction cooktops use bulky circuitry fixed immediately adjacent to each heater coil, then the cooktop can perform inductive heating function, but the countertop space is consumed and the cooktop becomes a fixed permanent installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the induction cooktop into two separate components: a stationary generator board that produces high-frequency current, and a movable cooking surface that contains the heating coil. This segmentation allows the cooking surface to be detached and stored, freeing countertop space while maintaining heating capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking surface is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a horizontal cooking orientation and a vertical stowed orientation through a hinge mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the same component to serve different functions: cooking when horizontal and space-saving storage when vertical.
2Area of stationary object
If the cooking surface is made adjustable and pivotally coupled to the generator board, then countertop space is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical pivoting support, maintains electrical connection between the movable cooking surface and stationary generator board, and includes a damping device for controlled movement. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite the added mobility feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the stationary generator board and the movable cooking surface, enabling smooth transitions between orientations while maintaining functional connectivity through integrated electrical contacts.
3Area of stationary object
If the generator is located downwardly of the countertop surface within the cabinet, then the countertop area is maximized, but the generator housing must be vertically oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The generator housing is reoriented from a horizontal configuration (which would consume countertop space) to a vertical configuration (utilizing the depth dimension of the cabinet). This dimensional change allows the generator to be positioned below the countertop surface, maximizing the usable countertop area while accommodating the generator within the cabinet's vertical space.
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 adjustable design optimizes countertop space usage by allowing concealed areas to be utilized for food preparation while maintaining efficient inductive heating, and the cooling system ensures effective heat dissipation, enhancing the cooktop's operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a heating coil configured to be pivotally or otherwise adjusted relative to a generator board... the heating coil electrically connected to the generator to conduct the high-frequency alternating current produced by the generator and induce an induced current in a cooking vessel
Implementation Method 2
induce an induced current in a cooking vessel supported by the movable portion while the movable portion is in a cooking orientation... induces an induced current in a cooking vessel supported by the adjustable cooking surface to heat the cooking vessel
Implementation Method 3
a damping device coupled to the hinge slows pivotal adjustment of the adjustable cooking surface toward a countertop surface of the cabinet to which the cooktop assembly is to be installed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Provided is a cooktop assembly that includes a generator that produces a high- frequency alternating current and is configured to be coupled to a surface of a cabinet. An adjustable cooking surface with a heating coil is electrically connected to the generator to conduct the high-frequency alternating current produced by the generator and induce an induced current in a cooking vessel supported by the adjustable cooking surface in a cooking orientation. An adjustable coupling pivotally couples the adjustable cooking surface to the generator and supports the adjustable cooking surface at a plurality of different angular orientations relative to the generator.