Hob Heating Element Locking Assembly for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices, particularly induction hob devices, face challenges in achieving a quick and flexible assembly process, maintaining stability, and allowing for easy disassembly and maintenance, while also being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A hob device design featuring a fastening unit that securely locks the heating element and space-dividing element together through a rotational movement, utilizing a locking mechanism that allows for assembly and disassembly without tools, with the fastening elements formed in one piece with the heating element and recesses in the space-dividing element for a stable and space-saving configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fastening method (screws, clips, or adhesive) is used to attach the heating element to the support plate, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed with elastic properties allowing it to dynamically change shape during assembly. The element is initially deformed to a first shape for insertion, then automatically transforms to a second shape to engage with the support plate, creating a secure connection without tools. This dynamic transformation enables both quick assembly and reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element utilizes changes in its physical parameters, specifically its shape and elasticity, to achieve different functional states. By controlling the deformation of the elastic element between two distinct shapes, the system transitions from an insertable state to a locked state, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and connection stability.
2Reliability
If the heating element is firmly fixed to the support plate, then the stability and reliability are improved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic fastening element provides a reversible connection mechanism. During normal operation, it maintains a secure locked state ensuring stability. When maintenance is needed, the element can be easily deformed back to its first shape, releasing the heating element for removal. This dynamic reversibility resolves the contradiction between firm fixation and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element automatically adjusts its shape based on the assembly state. During assembly, it self-transforms from the first shape to the second shape to secure the heating element. During disassembly, it can be manually returned to the first shape, enabling tool-free removal. This self-adjusting capability facilitates both reliable fixation and easy maintenance.
3Productivity
If a complex fastening mechanism is used to achieve quick assembly, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it serves as both the connection element and the locking mechanism. The elastic element integrates the insertion function and the securing function, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, clips, or adjustment mechanisms. This merging achieves quick assembly without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic fastening element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection, automatic locking, and easy release capability all through a single component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex multi-component fastening systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving high assembly productivity.
4Reliability
If multiple fastening points are used to ensure stability, then the connection reliability is improved, but the number of parts and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple recesses, each containing an elastic fastening element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stable multi-point fixation while keeping each individual fastening unit simple and identical. The modular recess design simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardization of each segment, reducing overall complexity despite having multiple fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic fastening elements are pre-formed with their first shape to facilitate easy insertion into the recesses. This preliminary preparation of the fastening elements in their insertable configuration simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity, as the elements are ready for installation without requiring additional forming operations during assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proceeds from a hob apparatus (10a-b), in particular an induction hob apparatus, having at least one heating element (12a-b) which is provided for heating cookware, having at least one partition element (16a-b) which is provided in an installation position for carrying the at least one heating element (12a-b), and having a fastening unit (18a-b) which is provided for fastening the at least one heating element (12a-b) and the at least one partition element (16a-b) to one another. In order to provide an apparatus of the generic type with an advantageous design, it is proposed that the fastening unit (18a-b) is at least partially in the form of a locking unit.