Setup device for a cooking hob with a handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hob installation devices lack effective prevention of incorrect operation, which can compromise safety during use.

Innovation Solution

The installation device features a handle with a gripping section and input section, equipped with sensors to detect user intent, allowing for secure locking of input commands based on proximity or touch detection, thereby preventing unintended operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle is used for both gripping and input operations, then the device is easier to operate, but incorrect operation cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidprevention of incorrect operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into functionally distinct sections: a gripping section for manual handling and an input section for control operations. This spatial segmentation prevents accidental activation of input functions when the user is merely gripping the handle for movement, while maintaining ease of operation by keeping both functions integrated in one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the handle are assigned different functional properties. The gripping section has sensor arrangements for detecting grip intent, while the input section contains input areas for command entry. This local differentiation allows the system to distinguish between gripping actions and input actions, preventing incorrect operation while preserving usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If sensors are added to detect user intent, then incorrect operation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of incorrect operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangements serve multiple functions: they detect both gripping actions and input actions, and can distinguish between different user intentions. By using the same sensor system for multiple detection purposes, the patent avoids adding separate complex subsystems while still achieving reliable prevention of incorrect operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing functionality is merged into the handle structure itself, combining the mechanical component with detection capabilities. This integration eliminates the need for separate external sensors and control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of intent detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the input area is integrated in the handle, then the device is more compact, but incorrect operation cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidprevention of incorrect operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated handle is segmented into distinct gripping and input regions. This spatial segmentation within the compact structure allows the system to differentiate between gripping operations and input operations, preventing accidental activation while maintaining the space-efficient integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different functional zones are created within the handle: the gripping section with its sensor arrangements and the input section with input areas. This local functional differentiation enables the compact integrated design to prevent incorrect operation by recognizing user intent through the sensor arrangements in specific locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3806581B1Setup device for a cooking hob with a handle
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3806581B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounting device (2) for a hob, comprising a handle (4) for handling the mounting device (2), a control unit (6), a transmitter unit (8) for signal transmission from the mounting device (2) to the hob and at least one input unit (10, 14) with at least one input area (12, 16) integrated in the handle (4) for inputting a user command by a user of the mounting device (2), wherein the transmitter unit (8) and the input unit (10, 14) are connected to the control unit (6) for signal transmission, and wherein the hob can be controlled by means of the user command.In order to specify a mounting device (2) for a hob in which incorrect operation is effectively prevented or at least reduced, it is proposed that the handle (4) has a gripping section (18) for gripping for the purpose of manual movement of the mounting device (2) and at least one input section (20, 22), wherein the input area (12, 16) is arranged in the input section (20, 22), and wherein at least one sensor (24) for detecting an approach to the handle and/or a touch of the handle (4) by the user is arranged at least in the gripping section (18).