Hob Device Dual-Side Carrier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices require significant assembly effort and lack flexibility in positioning heating elements, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The hob device features a heating element support unit and electronics support unit arranged on different sides, with a metal sheet heating element carrier and a partially plastic electronics carrier, allowing for pre-assembly and easy cable management, along with a cover unit for protection and electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the heating element carrier unit and electronics unit are arranged on the same side of the carrier unit, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the assembly effort increases and cable management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (heating elements and electronics on the same side plane) to a three-dimensional arrangement (heating elements on one side, electronics on the opposite side of the carrier unit). This spatial separation reduces cable routing complexity and assembly effort while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Strength
If the heating element carrier unit is made from magnetic material, then the structural strength is higher, but the alternating magnetic fields from induction heaters interfere with the electronics unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where the carrier unit combines a non-magnetic base material (such as aluminum or plastic) with a magnetic shielding layer or incorporates magnetic shielding elements. This composite approach provides both the required structural strength and protection against electromagnetic interference from induction heaters.
3Device complexity
If the electronics unit is exposed without a cover unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electronic components are vulnerable to mechanical stress and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cover unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the electronics unit, acts as an electromagnetic shield against interference, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the device. This multi-functional design protects components without significantly increasing complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the heating elements are positioned with fixed spacing, then the manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but the adaptability in hob configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the heating elements can be adjusted along the carrier unit while maintaining precise positioning through standardized mounting features. This allows flexible configuration of heating elements at different spacings and positions, adapting to various hob designs while preserving manufacturing precision through consistent reference points and mounting mechanisms.
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 reduces assembly effort, enhances flexibility in heating element positioning, and achieves a compact design while protecting electronic components and reducing electromagnetic interference, thereby lowering costs and improving assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is a resistance heater
Implementation Method 2
The heating element is an induction heater, which is intended to convert electrical energy into heat indirectly via induced eddy currents
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit, which in particular comprises a heat sink and/or a fan unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop device comprising a heating element carrier unit (10) for holding at least one heating element (12a-d) and an electronics carrier unit (14) for holding at least one electronic unit (16). To provide a cooktop device of this type with reduced assembly effort, it is proposed that the heating element carrier unit (10) and at least part of the electronic unit (16) be arranged on different sides of the electronics carrier unit (14).