One-Piece Hob Fastening Element for Snap-In Clamping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking hob fastening systems are complex and difficult to install due to the need for multiple elements and components, which complicates the process of securing the hob within a kitchen worktop cutout.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fastening element with a lug element and recess system that allows for a snap-in connection between the upper and lower parts of the cooking hob, utilizing a spring element for stability and easy installation, requiring minimal components and no special tools for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple different fastening elements are used to secure the cooking hob within the cutout, then the fastening system provides stable connection, but the installation process becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening elements into a single integrated one-piece fastening element that includes both the frame portion and the clamping mechanism. This merging reduces the number of components from multiple separate elements to one unified component, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the stable connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece fastening element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a frame, enables adjustable positioning within the cutout, and secures the cooking hob through clamping action. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Reliability
If a frame carrier with multiple parts is used to connect upper and lower parts of the cooking hob, then the connection is stable, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame carrier structure with the fastening mechanism into a single one-piece element. Instead of having separate frame parts and separate fastening components, the invention integrates both functions into one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining connection stability.
3Reliability
If clamping springs and multiple frame parts are used to cover gaps and secure the cooking hob, then the installation is stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping spring mechanism directly into the one-piece fastening element structure. The spring-loaded clamping arms are formed as integral parts of the single fastening component, eliminating the need for separate frame parts and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining installation stability.
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
Enables a simple and stable installation of the cooking hob within the worktop cutout with reduced complexity, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment of the upper part while maintaining a secure connection, and accommodating different materials like glass-ceramic panels and metal casings.
Implementation Method 1
The lower part is provided with at least one spring element acting into a clamping direction towards the cutout
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a one-piece fastening element (10) with a cooking hob (24). The fastening element (10) comprises an upper portion (12) being permanently connectable to an upper part (26) of the cooking hob (24) and a lower portion (14) being detachably connectable to a lower part (28) of the cooking hob (24), so that the upper part (26) and the lower part (28) form the cooking hob (10). The lower portion (14) of the fastening element (10) comprises at least one lug element (18) engageable with a recess (30) in the lower part (28) of the cooking hob (24) and at least one spring element (22) for clamping the cooking hob (24) within a cutout (38) enclosing circumferentially said cooking hob (24). Further, the present invention relates to a cooking hob with such one-piece fastening elements.