Induction Hob Cable Retention Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs face issues with the conductive cable coming into electrical contact with the non-magnetic plate, leading to potential damage and requiring complex assembly methods to maintain tension and prevent relaxation, which can result in cable deterioration and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
The induction hob incorporates a hook-shaped holding mechanism with a concave part and a rim to securely hold sheathed end portions of the conductive cable, ensuring they are immobilized without additional structures, and orifices to prevent twisting, facilitating easy mounting and connection to the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective sheath is made significantly longer than the conductor cable, then the cable ends are protected from electrical contact, but the protective sheath must be curled and the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining element acts as an intermediary component between the protective sheath and the support structure. This element secures the sheath in position without requiring it to be excessively long or curled, thereby maintaining electrical insulation while simplifying the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. Rather than using a complex curled sheath design, a simple retaining element provides the necessary function at low cost and with minimal assembly steps
2Reliability
If the conductor cable is kept under tension using multiple windings around support devices, then electrical contact with the platter is prevented, but the cable deteriorates more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tensioning function is extracted from the support devices themselves. Instead of using multiple windings around the support devices to maintain tension, a dedicated retaining element is introduced that secures the cable without requiring repeated windings, thereby reducing mechanical stress and extending cable life
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing the mechanical stress on the cable. This prevents excessive tension and repeated bending that would otherwise accelerate cable deterioration, while still maintaining the cable in a position that prevents electrical contact
3Reliability
If multiple windings are required to secure the cable around mounting brackets, then the cable is held in position, but the assembly procedure becomes difficult and requires trained operators
Solution Approach 1:
The cable securing function is segmented into a dedicated retaining element rather than being integrated into the mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the retaining element to be designed for simple, intuitive installation without requiring multiple precise windings, thereby easing the assembly process while maintaining reliable cable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, requiring minimal operator skill for installation. The cable naturally engages with the retaining element without requiring precise positioning or multiple winding operations, making the assembly process accessible to operators without specialized training
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 solution effectively prevents electrical contact between the cable and plate, reduces mechanical stress on the cable, and simplifies the assembly process by maintaining the sheathed end portions in a tight position, enhancing the reliability and ease of use of the induction hob.
Implementation Method 1
the means for retaining the sheathed end portions of the conductor cable extending out of the inductor support
Implementation Method 2
an induction cooktop includes at least one coiled conductor cable mounted on a support. The conductor cable and the support together define one inductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An induction cooktop includes at least one inductor (1) mounted on a plate (2), the inductor (1) comprising a conductor cable wound (30) on an inductor support (4) and comprising two end portions sheathed at least partially by a protective sleeve. The plate (2) includes means (6) for retaining the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductor cable extending beyond the inductor support (4). The means (6) for retaining the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductor cable ensure that they are held in position directly on the plate (2) of the induction cooktop.