Induction cooktop and method for its production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of induction cooktops is complex and costly due to the need for precise positioning and fixing of electronics housings relative to the lower box, requiring additional tools and workstations, and involving heavy assembly handling.
Innovation Solution
The lower box is designed to allow the electronics housing to be positioned and fixed along an assembly axis in a first step, with the holding plate snapped onto it perpendicularly in a second step, using retaining bars with notches for a plug-in connection, eliminating the need for additional tools and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the electronics housing is positioned and fixed relative to the lower box using conventional methods, then precise positioning is achieved, but additional tools and workstations are required, increasing device complexity and production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The lower box is designed with integrated positioning features (retaining bars with notches, recesses) that enable the electronics housing to be positioned and fixed directly during assembly without requiring external positioning tools or specialized workstations. The structure serves its own positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and fixing functions are merged into the lower box structure itself through integrated retaining bars and notches, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If the electronics housing is positioned and fixed using conventional methods, then stable fixation is achieved, but additional tools and workstations are needed, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The lower box structure with its retaining bars and notches enables direct placement and fixation of the electronics housing during assembly, eliminating the need for separate fixation tools and multi-step processes, thereby speeding up production while maintaining stable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is segmented into two independent steps: first positioning the electronics housing along the assembly axis using the lower box features, then snapping the holding plate perpendicularly. This segmentation allows simple, tool-free operations in each step
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holding plate is connected to the lower box in a force-transmitting manner, then structural stability is achieved, but heavy assembly handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is divided into two sequential steps with different orientations: first, the electronics housing is positioned along the assembly axis; second, the holding plate is snapped perpendicularly. This segmentation reduces the weight and complexity of handling in each individual step compared to moving the entire assembled structure
Solution Approach 2:
The holding plate is connected in a direction essentially perpendicular to the assembly axis, utilizing a different spatial dimension for the force-transmitting connection. This dimensional change allows the holding plate to be snapped into place without requiring heavy handling along the primary assembly axis
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 design simplifies and speeds up the production of induction cooktops, reducing costs and improving ergonomics by allowing components to be assembled sequentially onto an open lower box, while enhancing stability and reducing component count through integrated air guidance and fresh air supply.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductive heating coil arranged between the cover plate and the holding plate
Data Source
AI summary
An induction cooktop includes: a cover plate with at least one cooking point; a holding plate; at least one inductive heating coil arranged between the cover plate and the holding plate; at least one electronics housing fastened to a side of the holding plate facing away from the at least one inductive heating coil and having electronics for the at least one inductive heating coil; and a lower box closing off the induction cooktop at a bottom of the induction cooktop, the lower box being open at a top thereof. The at least one electronics housing is arranged in the lower box. The holding plate covers the lower box at the top. The holding plate is connected in a force-transmitting manner to the lower box in an assembly state of the induction cooktop.