Glass-ceramic and cooktop using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass-ceramics used in cooktops face challenges with cleanability and heat resistance due to their exposure to high-temperature and contaminated environments, requiring improved properties such as easier cleanability and higher heat resistance.
Innovation Solution
A glass-ceramic with a heat-resistant and antifouling coating layer and an uneven layer featuring micro-dimples is developed, comprising a glass material with specific compositions and layers that enhance cleanability and heat resistance, including a display layer, chroma color layer, and heat-resistant shielding layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If glass-ceramic is continuously exposed to high-temperature and contaminated environments, then heat resistance is improved, but cleanability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glass-ceramic surface is segmented into multiple functional layers: a base glass-ceramic layer providing heat resistance, an intermediate layer with micro-dimples for antifouling properties, and a top coating layer for enhanced cleanability. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between heat resistance and cleanability.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface structure is modified locally by creating micro-dimples (50-150 μm width, 20-100 μm depth) in specific regions to provide antifouling properties, while the overall structure maintains heat resistance. The coating layer is applied with specific composition (SiO2, polysilazane, SiX, C4F9CH3, C6F14, C5H30F9, Zr, ZrO, ZrO2) to provide localized chemical resistance and cleanability.
2Ease of manufacture
If an uneven layer is formed to improve cleanability, then cleanability is improved, but surface flatness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional micro-structured surface by introducing micro-dimples with controlled depth (20-100 μm). This dimensional change creates antifouling properties while the overall surface remains visually flat at macro scale, resolving the contradiction between cleanability and surface flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer is designed with a porous micro-structure containing dimples of controlled size and distribution. This porous structure prevents contaminant adhesion by creating a physical barrier, improving cleanability while maintaining acceptable surface flatness for cooking applications.
3Temperature
If a coating layer is applied to improve heat resistance, then heat resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A composite coating system is applied consisting of multiple layers with different compositions and functions: a base glass-ceramic layer, an intermediate antifouling layer with micro-dimples, and a top coating layer containing specific compounds (SiO2, polysilazane, SiX, C4F9CH3, C6F14, C5H30F9, Zr, ZrO, ZrO2). This composite structure provides enhanced heat resistance and cleanability while using established coating technologies to manage manufacturing complexity.
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 significantly improves cleanability and heat resistance, maintaining clarity and color stability even after prolonged exposure to contaminants and high temperatures, while preventing scratches and ensuring effective oil repellency.
Implementation Method 1
the coating layer includes a contact angle that may be 100° or more after heating at 350° C. for 24 hours
Implementation Method 2
the uneven layer includes micro-dimples... significantly improves cleanability... maintaining clarity and color stability even after prolonged exposure to contaminants
Implementation Method 3
Glass-ceramics are rarely fractured by thermal shock and have excellent mechanical strength and thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 4
preventing scratches... the coating layer may have a thickness in a range from 30 nm to 800 nm... a vertical force causing scratches may be in a range from 15 N to 20 N
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a glass-ceramic having increased clarity of colors by controlling a microstructure and improved cleanability by a polishing process and a cooktop including same. The glass-ceramic according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a glass material; and an uneven layer formed on the glass material, wherein hexahedral crystals may be included as a microstructure.