Hotplate device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hobs lack a cost-effective and comfortable design for operator interaction, particularly in detecting and responding to movements of cooking utensils, which limits flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an acceleration sensor within the control panel of the hob device to detect movements, allowing for precise and cost-effective operation without the need for additional pot detection systems, and enabling wireless communication with a control unit to adjust heating parameters based on detected movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor unit with accelerometer is integrated into the control panel, then movement detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit including the accelerometer is integrated into the control panel housing, merging the detection function with the existing control structure. This consolidation improves movement detection precision while avoiding the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pot detection systems are added, then cooking vessel detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit with accelerometer serves multiple functions: it detects movements of the control panel, identifies placement of cooking vessels, and monitors removal of vessels. This multi-functionality improves cooking vessel detection capability while using the same hardware component, thereby avoiding additional costs for separate detection systems.
3Ease of operation
If the control panel is designed as a detachable cooking vessel handle, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit provides feedback about the connection state by detecting movements and positions of the control panel relative to the cooking vessel. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor and confirm proper attachment, thereby maintaining connection reliability despite the detachable design that improves ease of operation.
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 configuration provides a cost-effective, space-saving, and high-comfort solution by allowing precise control of cooking utensils through movement detection, eliminating the need for additional detection systems and enhancing operator convenience with flexible and precise control over heating settings.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor unit comprises at least one accelerometer for detecting the movement of the control panel
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of a cost-effective design and/or a high level of comfort for an operator, a hob device (10) with at least one operating part (12) is provided, which is intended, at least in one operating state, with at least one cooking utensil ( 14) to be connected, and with at least one sensor unit (16), which is intended to detect at least one movement of the operating part (12) at least in one operating state.