Induction Hob Collar Element Design for Targeted Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction hobs face issues with light distribution due to a large light cone and scattered light, often illuminating unwanted areas due to defects in the hob plate coating, necessitating additional structural units to limit light emission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating collar elements on the space-dividing element to partially delimit recesses and guide light sources, eliminating the need for additional structural units, thus providing targeted illumination and reducing assembly complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If additional structural units are attached to limit light emission, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distributionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar element is integrated directly into the space-dividing element, merging the light-limiting function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate additional structural units while maintaining the light distribution control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar element serves multiple functions: it structurally supports the space division while simultaneously limiting light emission from the light source. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.

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

2Illumination intensity

If additional structural units are attached to limit light emission, then light distribution is improved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distributionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the collar element into the space-dividing element as a single component, the assembly process is simplified. Workers no longer need to attach separate light-limiting units, reducing assembly time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the light cone is reduced to illuminate only desired areas, then illumination precision is improved, but additional structural units are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar element creates a localized light restriction at the specific position where light emission needs to be controlled. This local modification to the structure achieves precise illumination control without requiring changes to the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances operating convenience, reduces assembly time, and achieves compact, stable, and cost-effective induction hob designs while ensuring undisturbed illumination and preventing light from escaping to unwanted areas.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (20), which in one installation position is arranged at least to a large extent below the recess (14) and which in an operating state is intended to illuminate an area above the space-dividing element (12) through the recess (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the space-dividing element (12) has at least one collar element (16), which at least partially delimits the recess (14)... the collar element (16)... limits the light emitted by the light source (20) to an area to be illuminated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight limitation through geometric constraint: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The hob device has in particular at least one heating element, which is designed in particular as an induction heating element and is provided in particular for heating cookware

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3679302B1Induction hob
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3679302B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3679302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3679302B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a hob apparatus (10a-b), particularly an induction hob apparatus, comprising at least one division element (12a-b) provided with at least one recess (14a-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 division element (12a-b) comprises at least one collar element (16a-b) which at least partially delimits the recess (14a-b).