Hob Plate Angled Light Coupling for Uniform Edge Brightness Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob designs with lateral light irradiation result in undefined light propagation and non-uniform brightness zones, making it impossible to achieve specific, homogeneous light distribution away from the center of the hob plate.
Innovation Solution
A hob with a light coupling element that directs light into the hob plate via a lateral edge, featuring a coupling surface angled other than 90° to the underside, allowing for precise control of light direction and generation of defined, uniform brightness zones, particularly narrow strips at the edges, through a flat or curved configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light is coupled into the hob plate via a narrow lateral edge with the light source positioned at a distance, then the light propagation covers the entire hob plate, but the light distribution becomes undefined and non-uniform towards the center
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the hob plate. The light guide receives light from the source and transports it to the lateral edge of the hob plate, enabling precise control of light coupling position and direction while maintaining a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling angle parameter is changed from perpendicular (90°) to an angled configuration. The light coupling surface is inclined at a specific angle (e.g., 45°) relative to the lateral edge, which transforms the light propagation direction and enables uniform distribution across the hob plate surface
2Loss of energy
If the light source is positioned close to the narrow lateral edge, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but the light propagation becomes undefined and brightness zones are non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide serves as an intermediary that decouples the light source position from the coupling position. The source can be positioned optimally for efficiency while the light guide directs the light to the precise lateral edge location needed for uniform propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from direct lateral coupling to vertical coupling through the light guide. Light is coupled vertically into the light guide from the source, then transported and coupled laterally into the hob plate, separating the efficiency-optimizing source position from the uniformity-optimizing coupling geometry
3Loss of energy
If a mirror coating is provided on the light source side to maximize light entry, then light coupling is improved, but light propagation remains undefined over the hob plate surface
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the mirror-coated light source housing for maximized light collection, the light guide for controlled transport, and the angled coupling surface at the lateral edge for defined propagation. Each segment optimizes its local function while contributing to overall uniformity
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
This configuration enables precise local control of brightness zones with uniform light distribution, enhancing the visual perception of illuminated areas and allowing for the display of specific information, such as cooking zone status, with improved overall brightness uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
The coupled-in light is deflected or refracted towards the underside of the hob plate
Implementation Method 2
the light from the light source is coupled into the hob plate at the narrow edge and propagates there with multiple total reflections
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a hob (1) with a hob plate (2) and a lighting device (14) which has at least one light source (12) which is arranged in such a way that light (12a) from the light source (12) shines over a lateral edge ( 9) the hob plate (2) can be coupled into the hob plate (2), a light coupling element (16, 17) for coupling the light (12a) into the hob plate (2) having a coupling surface (11) facing the light source (12), which is arranged at an angle other than 90° to an underside (8) of the hob plate (2).