Hob-Integrated Extractor Display Using Light-Based Intuitive Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated vapor extraction devices in kitchen appliances are not intuitive for users due to the need for symbol or text-based parameter settings, making it difficult for users to understand the correlation between the display and the extraction device.

Innovation Solution

A kitchen appliance with a hob and integrated vapor extraction device featuring a display device that includes a lighting system with an output surface, where the output surface is arranged in the area of the vapor extraction device, allowing for intuitive information display and minimizing the number of parts required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a display element is provided in the hob plate for the extractor device, then information can be displayed to the user, but the correlation between the display and the extractor device is not intuitive and requires symbols or text

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission clarityVSAvoiduser understanding intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses LED lights that visually copy or mimic the appearance of the extractor device components (such as the chimney or housing) to display operational status. Instead of using abstract symbols or text, the display elements replicate the physical form of the extractor device parts, making the correlation immediately recognizable and intuitive for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs different colors of LED lights to indicate different operational states of the extractor device. By changing the color of the displayed elements rather than using text or symbols, the system provides intuitive visual feedback that is easily understood by users without requiring interpretation of text labels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the output surface extends over the edge of the extractor device, then information display is simplified and made more visible, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation visibilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display function with the existing structural elements of the extractor device by extending the output surface over the edge of the housing or frame. This integration allows the display to utilize the device's own structure rather than requiring separate mounting components, thereby improving visibility while minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge of the extractor device housing or frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the extractor device and simultaneously acts as the mounting surface for the display output. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate display mounting structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining excellent visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the extractor device is integrated into the hob, then space is saved and the appliance becomes more compact, but the display correlation becomes less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekitchen appliance footprintVSAvoiddisplay-device association
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating LED display elements directly into the extractor device housing that is embedded in the hob, the system creates visual copies of the extractor components within the compact hob structure. This allows the display to maintain direct spatial and visual correlation with the extractor device even in the integrated configuration, preserving intuitiveness while achieving space savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Simplifies user interaction by clearly correlating the display with the vapor extraction device, preventing accidental placement of pots or pans and enhancing the appliance's usability, while also simplifying the structure and cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

a display device for the extractor device, which has at least one lighting device and an output surface for emitting light from the lighting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3296644B1Kitchen device with a cooker hob and extractor device
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3296644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296644B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3296644B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Kitchen appliance comprising a hob (10) and an extractor device (11) at least partially incorporated into the hob (10). The kitchen appliance is characterized in that the kitchen appliance (1) comprises at least one display device (12) for the vapor extraction device (11), which has at least one lighting device (120) and an output surface (122) for outputting light from the lighting device (120). , and at least the output surface (122) is in the area of ​​the extractor device (11).