Hob Heating Element Assembly with Tool-Free Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob apparatus designs, particularly induction hobs, face challenges in achieving a balance between efficient assembly, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, with complex assembly processes and high maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A hob apparatus design featuring a fixing unit that attaches the heating element and space dividing element through a rotational movement, utilizing a locking mechanism that allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly, with a focus on a compact and stable connection using a locking unit, stabilization elements, and protection elements to secure the position and prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex fixing mechanism is used to securely attach the heating element, then the stability and reliability of the connection is improved, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a fixing element with stabilization portion and protection portion, and corresponding recesses in the space dividing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The stabilization portion automatically engages with the space dividing element upon insertion, and the protection portion provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
2Loss of time
If a simple fixing mechanism is used to reduce assembly complexity, then the assembly time is reduced, but the connection stability and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a fixing element with stabilization portion and protection portion, and corresponding recesses in the space dividing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The stabilization portion automatically engages with the space dividing element upon insertion, and the protection portion provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used to prevent unwanted movement, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization portion and protection portion are integrated into a single fixing element that is embodied essentially in one piece with the heating element. This merging of functions into one component prevents unwanted movement through combined stabilization and protection mechanisms, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to using separate components for each function.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex assembly process is used to ensure proper positioning, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity and assembly speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a fixing element with stabilization portion and protection portion, and corresponding recesses in the space dividing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The stabilization portion automatically engages with the space dividing element upon insertion, and the protection portion provides automatic locking without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A hob apparatus includes at least one heating element adapted to heat a cooking vessel. The at least one heating element is supported by at least one space dividing element in an installation position. A fixing unit embodied at least in part as a locking unit attaches the at least one heating element and the at least one space dividing element to each other.