Induction Hob Connection Unit for Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hob devices face challenges in achieving stability and short assembly times while maintaining a secure connection between heating units and electronics modules, often requiring multiple components and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A hob device design featuring a direct and rigid connection unit between heating units and electronics modules, utilizing a latching mechanism and electrical connection unit, along with a fastening unit that securely attaches heating units to the plate, and a support unit to stabilize the electronics module, all made from temperature-resistant plastics and metals, minimizing the need for additional components like bridges, springs, and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a direct and rigid connection unit is used to connect heating units and electronics modules, then assembly time is reduced and stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for integrated latching and electrical connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit merges the latching mechanism and electrical connection into a single integrated component. The carrier element of the heating unit and the further carrier element of the electronics module are designed to directly contact and latch together while simultaneously establishing electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate bridging components and cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical latching to secure the heating unit to the electronics module, establishes electrical contact for power and signal transmission, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the assembly process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components like bridges, springs, and cables are used to connect heating units and electronics modules, then the connection is flexible and adaptable, but the device complexity increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of bridges, springs, and cables into a single integrated connection unit. The carrier elements are designed with inherent elasticity and latching features that provide the necessary flexibility and adaptability without requiring separate spring components or bridging elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate bridging components, springs, and cables by integrating their functions directly into the carrier elements of the heating unit and electronics module. This reduction in components simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining connection flexibility.
3Reliability
If additional components are used to ensure stable connection between heating units and electronics modules, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit merges multiple functions into a single component that can be manufactured as one integrated piece using injection molding or similar processes. This eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated latching and electrical contact mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between heating units and electronics modules, then stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and misalignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier elements are designed with material properties and geometric features that allow controlled deformation under thermal stress. The plastic material used in the carrier elements has appropriate thermal expansion characteristics and elasticity to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining stable mechanical and electrical connections.
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 a stable and secure connection, reduces assembly time, lowers error rates, and results in a space-saving, cost-effective configuration with improved stability and durability, while maintaining efficient electrical supply and heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The induction heating unit comprises at least one induction heating element... the induction heating element is designed as an induction heating unit... convert electrical energy into an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
which are intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, heating medium
Implementation Method 3
which are intended to cause eddy currents and/or magnetic reversal effects in a metallic, preferably at least partially ferromagnetic, heating medium
Implementation Method 4
The heating unit comprises a radiant heating element, a resistance heating element... convert electrical energy at least to a large extent into heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop device (10a-c), in particular an induction cooktop device, with at least one heating unit (12a-c), in particular an induction heating unit, which is attached to at least one plate unit (14a-c) at least in the assembled state, and with at least one cooktop electronics module (16a-c) for at least one power supply to the heating unit (12a-c). In order to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to stability and/or short assembly time, it is proposed that the cooktop device (10a-c) has at least one connecting unit (18a-c) which is provided for directly and at least substantially rigidly connecting the heating unit (12a-c) and the cooktop electronics module (16a-c) to each other.