One-Piece Hob Fastening Element for Simple Snap-In Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for cooking hobs in kitchen worktops are complex and require multiple elements, making installation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fastening element with a snap-in lug mechanism and clamping spring element that connects the upper and lower parts of the cooking hob, allowing for easy assembly and secure mounting within a cutout without needing special means on the hob parts, using a recess in the sidewall for engagement and a U-shaped spring for clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple different fastening elements are used to secure the cooking hob in the cutout, then the fastening system provides reliable support and stability, but the installation becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastening element. This one-piece component includes both the support function (through the support arm with engagement element) and the fastening function (through the clamping arm with clamping element), eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening elements and simplifying installation while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides support, fastening, and positioning functions. The support arm engages with the cooking hob while the clamping arm secures it to the worktop, allowing one component to perform multiple tasks that previously required separate elements
2Ease of operation
If a one-piece fastening element with lug and spring is used, then the installation becomes simple and easy, but the fastening mechanism requires precise engagement geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed to be self-aligning and self-engaging. The engagement element on the support arm automatically finds and engages with the corresponding feature on the cooking hob, and the clamping element with its elastic spring automatically clamps onto the outer side surface. This self-service mechanism reduces installation complexity while the precise geometry is only required in the manufacturing of the individual component, not in the assembly process
3Ease of repair
If the lower part of the cooking hob is detachably connected to allow release, then the upper part can be removed independently for maintenance, but the connection mechanism must provide both secure attachment and easy release
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be dynamically changeable between a locked state (during normal operation) and an unlocked state (during maintenance). The elastic clamping element can be easily disengaged from the outer side surface to release the lower part, while providing secure attachment during use. This dynamic capability allows independent removal of the upper part for maintenance without complex disconnect procedures
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 simple and stable installation of the cooking hob with minimal components, allowing for easy release and reconnection of the upper and lower parts, and provides a secure fit within the worktop cutout using only two fastening elements at opposite sides.
Implementation Method 1
the lower portion of the fastening element comprises at least one spring element for clamping the cooking hob within a cutout enclosing circumferentially said cooking hob
Implementation Method 2
the lower portion of the fastening element comprises at least one lug element engageable with a recess in the lower part of the cooking hob
Data Source
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.