Hob device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob apparatuses with sensors require expensive edge connectors and powerful microprocessors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, while also lacking flexibility in sensor arrangement and thermal protection for signal processing units.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the sensor unit and signal processing unit on a single printed circuit board, allowing for direct processing and analysis of sensor signals, reducing the need for edge connectors and enabling a modular structure with flexible sensor arrangements and improved thermal protection using a rigid-flexible printed circuit board with a bending region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor unit and signal processing unit are arranged separately with edge connectors, then signal transmission is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor unit and signal processing unit onto a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate edge connectors and electrical contacts. This integration directly reduces component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining signal transmission functionality through onboard traces.
2Productivity
If a powerful microprocessor is used for signal processing, then processing capability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing functions by placing the signal processing unit in close proximity to the sensor unit on the same printed circuit board. This allows for distributed processing where the signal processing unit handles immediate sensor data while a less powerful main microprocessor handles higher-level control, reducing overall system cost and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor unit operates independently from the heating unit, then flexibility is improved, but system integration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal printed circuit board design that can accommodate different sensor units and heating unit configurations. The standardized PCB platform allows sensor units to be independently arranged and configured for different hob geometries while maintaining consistent integration protocols, thereby providing flexibility without proportionally increasing integration complexity.
4Reliability
If edge connectors with multiple electrical contacts are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal transmission function directly into the printed circuit board traces, eliminating the need for separate edge connectors with multiple electrical contacts. This integration maintains signal transmission reliability through controlled impedance traces while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity by removing discrete connector components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hob apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to detect a sensor signal, an electronic signal processing unit configured to further process and/or analyze the sensor signal, and a printed circuit board, on which the sensor unit and the signal processing unit are arranged together.