Kitchen utensil for placement on an induction hob, method for operating the kitchen utensil, method for operating the inner shell of the kitchen utensil and method for operating a system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen utensils for induction hobs often suffer from uneven temperature distribution and require specialized hobs, which can limit their versatility and compatibility with sensitive surfaces, while also potentially damaging the induction coil and worktops due to excessive heat.

Innovation Solution

A kitchen utensil design featuring an inner and outer shell with partial wireless or wired electrical connections, allowing for selective electrical component activation and thermal insulation, enabling operation on standard induction hobs without damaging the coil or worktops, and allowing for modular design and easy adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the inner shell is directly heated by induction coil, then heating efficiency is improved, but the outer shell temperature becomes excessively high causing damage to induction coil and worktops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidexcessive heat damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking vessel is divided into an inner shell and an outer shell separated by a gap. The inner shell is directly heated by the induction coil for efficient heating, while the outer shell remains thermally isolated to prevent excessive temperature and protect the induction coil and worktop surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gap between the inner shell and outer shell acts as a thermal barrier and intermediary space. This gap prevents direct heat transfer from the heated inner shell to the outer shell, maintaining the outer shell at safe temperatures while allowing the inner shell to reach cooking temperatures efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If thermal insulation material is added between inner and outer shells, then outer shell temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveouter shell temperatureVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing gap space between inner and outer shells as a simple, cost-effective thermal insulation solution. Instead of adding complex insulation materials or structures, the design leverages the natural air gap as a thermal barrier, maintaining simplicity while achieving temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If electrical components are added to both inner and outer shells, then functionality and measurement accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidelectrical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Electrical components such as temperature sensors and communication modules are integrated into both the inner shell and outer shell, allowing them to serve multiple functions: monitoring temperature at different locations, providing redundant measurement capability, enabling wireless communication, and supporting various operating modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by significantly improving measurement accuracy and operational flexibility.

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

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 achieves efficient thermal insulation, reduces the outer shell temperature compared to the inner shell, extends utensil lifespan, maintains measurement accuracy, and allows for flexible operation modes, including temperature monitoring and energy harvesting, while protecting sensitive surfaces and induction hobs.

Implementation Method 1

the inner shell can be heated by means of an induction coil of the induction cooktop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the inner shell can be heated by means of an induction coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the outer shell of the kitchen utensil, in particular the outer base of the kitchen utensil, to have a significantly lower temperature than the inner shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP4070695A1Kitchen utensil for placement on an induction hob, method for operating the kitchen utensil, method for operating the inner shell of the kitchen utensil and method for operating a system
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP4070695A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4070695A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4070695A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a kitchen utensil (2) for placement on an induction hob (4), comprising an inner shell (6) and an outer shell (12) spaced apart from the inner shell (6) by a gap (10), wherein the inner shell (6) and the outer shell (12) have corresponding mechanical connecting means (16, 18, 20, 22) for mechanically connecting the inner shell (6) to the outer shell (12) in a mechanically connected position of the kitchen utensil (2), and the kitchen utensil (2) is designed such that the inner shell (6) can be heated by means of an induction coil of the induction hob (4) when the kitchen utensil (2) is placed on the induction hob (4), characterized in that the inner shell (6) and the outer shell (12) each have at least one electrical component (28, 34, 36, 38, 40; 28, 34, 36, 38, 40, 48;28, 36, 40) comprising, wherein the inner shell (6) and the outer shell (12) have corresponding electrical connecting means for at least partial wireless or wired electrical connection of the electrical components (28, 34, 36, 38, 40; 28, 34, 36, 38, 40, 48; 28, 36, 40) of the inner shell (6) and the outer shell (12) in an electrical connection position of the kitchen utensil (2).