Cooking Hob Mounting Unit With Friction Hold and Self-Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for securing household appliances like hobs in kitchen worktops require complex assembly, manual centering, and often damage the worktop with additional fastening units, which are time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A household appliance holding unit that generates a holding force with two components, one perpendicular and one parallel to the appliance's main extension plane, using static friction elements and resilient joints for secure, tool-free mounting and easy disassembly, and includes a security unit to prevent appliance fall in case of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening units are used to secure the household appliance, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the worktop is damaged and the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidworktop damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based retention system. The holding unit contains a magnet that generates a magnetic field to retain the household appliance, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners that damage the worktop surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the holding unit and the household appliance. This magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that provides secure retention without physical penetration or damage to the worktop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening systems are used, then the appliance is securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening operations with a simple magnetic attraction system. The household appliance is secured by simply placing it over the magnet, eliminating time-consuming screwing, clipping, or adhesive application processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic holding unit provides self-aligning and self-securing functionality. When the household appliance is placed over the magnet, the magnetic field automatically centers and secures it, eliminating the need for manual alignment or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If resilient elements are used to generate holding force, then the mounting is secure, but the disassembly process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoiddisassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces resilient mechanical elements (springs, elastomers) with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic force provides secure holding during normal operation but can be easily overcome by deliberate manual removal, allowing simple disassembly when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic retention system provides dynamic characteristics where the holding force is automatically applied during normal use but can be easily released when intentional removal is required, offering both security and ease of disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly and centering, avoids worktop damage, ensures secure mounting without additional fasteners, and enhances operational reliability by preventing appliance falls due to damage.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient joint, in particular a spring element, which serves to press the static friction element against the edge region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a static friction element, which in the assembled state forms a frictional connection with at least one edge region of the unit adjacent to the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2602555B1System with a domestic appliance, in particular a cooking hob, and at least one domestic appliance holding unit

Publication Date: 2017.04.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

The system has a household appliance holding unit (14) for holding a household appliance (10) i.e. hob, in a recess of a unit (18) i.e. worktop (20). A holding force (22) is produced in a mounting state and comprises a force component (24) that is set beyond pure weight force and perpendicular to a main extension plane (26) of the household appliance. The holding force comprises another force component (28) that is directed to the household appliance or away from the household appliance in the mounted state and parallel to the main extension plane.