Hob with sensor element and method of manufacturing a hob
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob technologies face challenges in manufacturing and attaching electrical and electronic components efficiently, leading to increased workload and costs, while also compromising measurement accuracy and positioning.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a sensor element, preferably a temperature sensor, applied via an inkjet-type printing process onto a substrate, such as an induction hob plate, using electrically conductive ink, which forms a stable and precise connection without additional tools, allowing for improved measurement accuracy and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensor elements are attached using conventional methods, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor element with the hob plate by directly integrating the temperature sensor into the glass-ceramic surface. The sensor elements are embedded within the hob plate structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hob plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cooking surface and the substrate for the sensor elements. The glass-ceramic material provides structural support, thermal conductivity for temperature sensing, and a stable mounting base, reducing the need for additional components and attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional tools are used for attaching sensor elements, then secure connection is achieved, but production costs and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor elements are directly integrated into the hob plate manufacturing process, combining the sensor attachment with the hob plate production itself. This eliminates the need for separate attachment tools and operations, reducing production workload while ensuring secure connection through direct embedding.
3Strength
If conventional attachment methods are used, then sensor elements are secured, but measurement accuracy and positioning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating direct thermal contact between the sensor elements and the heating zones at specific locations. The temperature sensors are positioned precisely at the heating elements, ensuring accurate temperature measurement without requiring additional attachment structures that could interfere with measurement precision.
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 approach simplifies the production and attachment of sensor elements, enhances measurement accuracy, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional tools, while providing a cost-effective and precise temperature measurement solution.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor element is applied, in particular printed, to the at least one substrate by means of a printing process
Implementation Method 2
using electrically conductive ink
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a home appliance device, in particular a stove top device, comprising at least one substrate (10a; 10b) and at least one sensor element (12a; 12b) on the at least one substrate (10a; 10b). In order to simplify the manufacturing process and/or the securing process, the at least one sensor element (12a; 12b) is applied to the at least one substrate (10a; 10b) using a printing process.