Induction Hob Light Waveguide Layout for Visible Cooktop Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktop designs lack innovative lighting solutions that enhance aesthetics and functionality, particularly for induction hobs, limiting design possibilities and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an optical waveguide unit with light-emitting elements and optical fibers beneath the hob plate, allowing for varied light-emitting surfaces and improved illumination, including diffuse lighting and user interface markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical fibers are arranged beneath the cooktop surface to illuminate cooking zones, then the visibility and aesthetics of the cooktop are improved, but the design flexibility and light emission control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooktop surface is divided into multiple cooking zones, each with its own optical waveguide unit and light emission elements. This segmentation allows independent lighting control for each zone, enhancing both visibility and design flexibility without requiring a complete redesign of the illumination system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional edge-only lighting to multi-dimensional lighting by placing light emission elements on the top surface of optical waveguides at various positions. This dimensional expansion enables sophisticated lighting patterns and improves aesthetic versatility while maintaining effective illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting arrangements are used in cooktops, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the aesthetic appeal and user interface visibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide units serve multiple functions: they illuminate cooking zones, highlight user interface markings, and provide aesthetic lighting effects. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced visibility and aesthetics without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same structural components fulfill multiple lighting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs LED light sources that can vary emission intensity, color temperature, and activation states based on operational conditions. This parameter control allows the lighting system to adapt to different usage scenarios, improving user interface visibility while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized components.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are assigned to each optical fiber to improve lighting coverage, then the illumination quality is enhanced, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into modular optical waveguide units, each containing integrated light emission elements. This modular segmentation allows for standardized installation and simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage across multiple cooking zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light emission elements within integrated optical waveguide units that are pre-assembled and designed as cohesive components. This merging approach reduces installation complexity by minimizing the number of separate connections and assemblies required, while still achieving enhanced lighting coverage through the combined output of multiple elements within each unit.
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
Enhances the aesthetics and functionality of cooktops by providing versatile lighting options and improved user interface visibility, increasing installation efficiency and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide for a transmission of light
Implementation Method 2
at least one light emission element, which is provided to define a light emission surface for the emission of light from the optical waveguide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hob device (10a-b), in particular an induction hob device, comprising at least one hob plate (12a-b), comprising at least one light wave guide unit (16a-b) arranged on an underside (14a-b) of the hob plate (12a-b) and having at least one light wave guide (18a-b) for guiding light, in turn having a base body (34a-b), and at least one light outlet element (20a-b) which is provided to define a light-outlet surface for letting light out of the light wave guide (18a-b). According to the invention, in order to increase user comfort, the light-outlet element (20a-b) is arranged on a side of the light wave guide (18a-b) facing the hob plate (12a-b).