Hob Plate Multi-Layer Coating for Metallic Black Optical Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob plates with metallic and dielectric coatings under 2-4 layers are limited in generating diverse optical effects, restricting their visual impression.
Innovation Solution
A hob plate with a coating of at least two metallic and two dielectric layers, specifically designed to achieve a metallic black appearance by controlling reflection and transmittance in the 380-780 nm wavelength range, using a sequence of layers with varying thicknesses and materials like SnOx and Stainless Steel, and a protective layer, applied via sputtering or PVD techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of layers in the coating is limited to 2-4 layers, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the range of optical effects and color representation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is divided into multiple thin layers (at least 6 layers total, with 2-3 metallic layers and 2-4 dielectric layers) instead of using fewer thick layers. Each layer has a specific thickness range (10-500 nm) and material composition, allowing independent optimization of optical properties for each layer to achieve diverse color effects and metallic black appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The coating uses composite structure combining different materials (metallic layers of Al, Cr, Ti, Ta, W, Cu, Ni, or their compounds with dielectric layers of SiO2, TiO2, SiN, AlN, or their oxides/nitrides) to create interference effects that produce the desired optical properties and color representations that cannot be achieved with single materials
2Illumination intensity
If the coating is designed to achieve metallic black appearance with controlled reflection, then the visual appearance is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for each layer including thickness (10-500 nm total coating thickness), material composition (specific metallic and dielectric materials), and optical properties (reflection degree R<5%, transmittance T>80% in 380-780 nm range). These controlled parameters enable the metallic black appearance while providing clear manufacturing guidelines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods such as sputtering or evaporation to deposit the coating layers, replacing mechanical application methods. These PVD processes provide better control over layer thickness and composition, enabling precise control of optical properties with reduced manufacturing variability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple metallic and dielectric layers are used to achieve diverse color designs, then the visual appearance is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal dielectric materials (SiO2, TiO2, SiN, AlN and their oxides/nitrides) and metallic materials (Al, Cr, Ti, Ta, W, Cu, Ni and their compounds) that can be deposited using standard PVD processes. These materials serve multiple functions: controlling optical interference, providing adhesion, and creating the metallic black appearance, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling diverse color designs
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hob plate can have different coating configurations by adjusting layer thicknesses within the specified ranges or selecting different material combinations in specific areas. This allows localized color variations and design flexibility without changing the overall manufacturing process, enabling diverse color designs while maintaining ease of manufacture
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
The solution enables a wide range of color designs and a uniform metallic black optical effect, while maintaining a low reflection and high transmittance, enhancing the visual appearance and hiding underlying mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
the degree of reflection of the hob plate is
Implementation Method 2
the transmittance of the hob plate in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm is
Implementation Method 3
The layers of the coating are preferably formed on the underside by sputtering, in particular formed by magnetron sputtering
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a hot plate (2) comprising a base plate (3), a coating (10) consisting of metal layers (12, 14) and dielectric layers (11, 13, 15) being applied to the under side (9) of said base plate. The coating (10) is made of at least two metal layers (12, 14) and at least two dielectric layers (11, 13, 15) such that the reflectivity (R) of the hot plate (2) is less than 15% in the wave length range between 380 nm and 780 nm.