Cooking Hob Zone Illumination with Cooled Central Light Cutout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices for cooking zones on induction cooking hobs face challenges due to the high operating temperature of the light sources, which is not compatible with the surrounding induction coils, leading to inadequate cooling and reduced light source lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The illumination device is designed with a light source element positioned below a central cutout of the cooking zone element, utilizing a conical light guide and diffuser screen, along with an optical lens, to enhance cooling and maintain efficient heat transfer, while a cooling fan can be included to further manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light source element is arranged within the cooking zone element, then the illumination area is maximized, but the light source element is exposed to high temperatures from the induction coils
Solution Approach 1:
The light source element is positioned in the vertical dimension below the cooking zone element rather than within the horizontal plane of the induction coils. This spatial repositioning allows the light source to remain close to the cooking zone for effective illumination while being thermally isolated from the high-temperature coil area, thus resolving the contradiction between maximizing illumination area and avoiding excessive temperature exposure.
2Temperature
If the light source element is positioned below the central cutout, then cooling is improved, but the illumination area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective surface is introduced as an intermediary element to redirect light from the light source element positioned below the central cutout upward through the cutout opening. This reflective surface acts as a mediator that extends the effective illumination area without requiring the light source to be positioned within the high-temperature zone, thus maintaining both adequate cooling and sufficient illumination coverage.
3Temperature
If the central cutout area is made larger to accommodate the illumination device, then the illumination device can be better cooled, but the heat transfer to the centre of the pot is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device components are positioned in the vertical dimension below the cooking zone element rather than within the horizontal cooking surface plane. This allows the central cutout to remain relatively small, preserving heat transfer efficiency to the pot center, while the light source element below the cutout receives adequate cooling air flow in the vertical space without compromising the thermal performance of the cooking zone.
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 configuration allows for improved cooling of the light source, increasing its lifespan and providing a larger illumination area with minimal impact on heat transfer to pots, thus enhancing the overall performance and durability of the illumination system.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination device includes an optical lens enclosing an upper portion of the light source element
Implementation Method 2
the illumination device includes at least one diffuser screen arranged or arrangeable in an upper portion of the central cutout of the cooking zone element
Implementation Method 3
the illumination device includes at least one conical light guide formed as a conical tube and arranged or arrangeable inside the central cutout of the cooking zone element
Implementation Method 4
a cooling fan can be included to further manage temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device for a cooking zone element is provided for a cooking hob which is covered by a transparent panel. The illumination device is provided for a cooking zone element with a central cutout in a central portion of said cooking zone element. The illumination device includes at least one diffuser screen arranged or arrangeable in an upper portion of the central cutout of the cooking zone element and parallel to the transparent panel of the cooking hob. The illumination device includes at least one light source element arranged or arrangeable below the central cutout of the cooking zone element. The illumination device includes an optical lens enclosing an upper portion of the light source element. Further, the present invention relates to a corresponding cooking zone element and cooking hob.