Hotplate device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices lack optimal lighting solutions with uniform and adjustable lighting properties, particularly in induction hob settings, where the existing materials and designs do not effectively scatter light for improved visibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hob device featuring a partially translucent layer element with a carrier material, such as silicone, and an opaque filling material like aluminum oxide, applied to the underside of the hob plate, which scatters light from a punctiform source to provide uniform and adjustable illumination, enhancing visibility and mechanical hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single material transparent layer element is used for illumination, then the structure is simple, but the lighting uniformity and scattering effect are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a transparent carrier material (such as glass or glass-ceramic) with opaque filling materials (such as metal oxides or pigments) to create a layer element that provides both structural integrity and controlled light scattering. This composite structure enables uniform illumination while maintaining a manageable layer composition, resolving the contradiction between lighting quality and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by distributing opaque filling materials non-uniformly within the transparent carrier material. The filling materials are arranged in specific patterns or concentrations to optimize light scattering in different regions, achieving uniform overall illumination while allowing localized adjustments to lighting properties without complicating the entire layer structure.
2Illumination intensity
If projections are distributed uniformly over the hob plate underside, then the structural coverage is comprehensive, but the lighting effectiveness in specific partial areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating opaque filling materials specifically in the partial area corresponding to the operating region with the operator interface. This localized concentration of scattering materials enhances lighting effectiveness where needed most, while other areas of the hob plate maintain their original structural properties without unnecessary material additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hob plate into different functional areas: the operating area with enhanced lighting through concentrated filling materials, and other areas with standard or reduced filling material content. This segmentation allows optimized lighting in the critical operating zone while maintaining overall structural integrity and minimizing material usage.
3Illumination intensity
If a translucent layer element is applied to enhance lighting, then the visibility is improved, but the mechanical hardness and resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where a transparent carrier material (glass or glass-ceramic with inherent mechanical strength) serves as the base, and opaque filling materials (metal oxides or pigments) are dispersed within it. The carrier material maintains mechanical hardness and resistance, while the filling materials provide light scattering and diffusion properties, thus achieving both visibility improvement and mechanical strength retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration, size, and distribution of opaque filling materials within the transparent carrier. By optimizing these parameters, the layer element achieves sufficient light scattering for improved visibility while maintaining the mechanical properties of the carrier material. The filling material content is kept at levels that enhance lighting without compromising structural integrity.
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 achieves optimal lighting with improved mechanical resistance and adjustable lighting properties, allowing for high-quality and targeted illumination, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Implementation Method 1
A hob device featuring a partially translucent layer element with a carrier material, such as silicone, and an opaque filling material like aluminum oxide, applied to the underside of the hob plate, which scatters light from a punctiform source to provide uniform and adjustable illumination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In order to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of lighting, a hob device (10) with at least one hob plate (12) and with at least one at least partially translucent layer element (14) is proposed which, in at least one assembled state, can be attached to at least one partial area (16 ) is arranged on an underside (18) of the hob plate (12) and which has at least one at least partially translucent carrier material and at least one opaque filling material.