Induction Hob Electronic Unit Angled Storage for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hob devices face challenges in optimizing space usage and assembly efficiency, particularly in integrating electronic units without enlarging the outer housing, while ensuring safe and protected storage and easy assembly.

Innovation Solution

The electronic unit is stored in a position relative to the hob plate where its main extension plane is oriented at an angle, allowing for space-saving design, easy assembly, and protection from heat radiation, using a storage unit that absorbs the unit's weight and is supported by a room divider element, enabling efficient use of previously unused space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the electronic unit is stored parallel to the hob plate, then the assembly is simple and stable, but the space utilization is poor and the outer housing must be enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic unit is rotated from a parallel arrangement to a perpendicular arrangement relative to the hob plate, utilizing the vertical dimension (Z-axis) for storage. This dimensional change allows the electronic unit to be positioned in previously unused space below the hob plate without requiring horizontal expansion of the outer housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the electronic unit is stored in a perpendicular position, then space is saved and assembly is simplified, but the electronic unit must be securely supported against gravity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple components: a first support element that directly supports the electronic unit, and a second support element that connects to the hob plate. This segmentation allows the support system to be distributed across multiple attachment points, providing stable gravitational support for the vertically oriented electronic unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the electronic unit is accessible from the front, then operation is convenient, but heat radiation from heating elements may damage the electronics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidheat radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective element is introduced as an intermediary between the heating elements and the electronic unit. This protective element blocks heat radiation from reaching the electronics while allowing the electronic unit to remain positioned below the hob plate for convenient access and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3679303B1Hob apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3679303B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3679303B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3679303B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a hob apparatus, particularly an induction hob apparatus, comprising at least one heating plate (12a-b), at least one electronic unit (14a-b), and at least one storage unit (16a-b) that stores the electronic unit (14a-b) in at least one mounted state in relation to the heating plate (12a-b). The aim of the invention is to provide such an apparatus with improved characteristics in terms of the construction thereof. To this end, the storage unit (16a-b) stores the electronic unit (14a-b) in a position in relation to the heating plate (12a-b), in which a main extension plane of the electronic unit (14a-b) is oriented at an angle to a main extension plane of the heating plate (12a-b).