Magnetic Glass-Ceramic Worktop Mounting for Tool-Free Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass-ceramic worktops with integrated electronic components face challenges in assembly and disassembly, particularly for large plates, due to weight and the need for specific tools, limiting modularity and ease of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic connection elements with a thickness of less than 10 cm, capable of being attracted by a magnet, allowing for removable and flexible attachment of accessories without the need for specific tools, enabling modular configurations and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If glass-ceramic worktops with integrated electronic components are assembled using traditional embedding or gluing methods, then the components are securely fixed, but the assembly and disassembly require specific tools and are difficult, especially for large plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical embedding or gluing methods with magnetic attraction. The magnetic connection element with thickness less than 10 cm contains magnetic parts that attract and hold electronic components without requiring mechanical fasteners or adhesives, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic connection element as an intermediary component between the glass-ceramic worktop and electronic components. This intermediate layer with thickness less than 10 cm provides the magnetic field necessary for attraction, facilitating easy attachment and detachment of components without direct mechanical or chemical bonding
2Area of stationary object
If glass-ceramic plates are made large to serve as work surfaces, then the surface area is sufficient, but the weight becomes significant and prevents easy handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glass-ceramic worktop system into separable components: the worktop plate itself and detachable electronic components. The magnetic connection element with thickness less than 10 cm enables these components to be easily separated and reattached, allowing the heavy worktop to remain stationary while lighter components can be moved independently for handling and maintenance
3Reliability
If electronic components are embedded in the glass-ceramic plate, then they are securely fixed, but the position and choice of accessories are fixed in advance and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static embedded components to dynamically reconfigurable components using magnetic attraction. The magnetic connection element with thickness less than 10 cm allows electronic components to be easily attached, detached, and repositioned, enabling the worktop to adapt to different configurations and uses while maintaining secure fixation during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mounting system using the magnetic connection element that can accommodate different types of electronic components and accessories. The magnetic attraction mechanism works with various component types, allowing the worktop to serve multiple functions and be customized according to different needs without requiring re-engineering of the base structure
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
Enables simple assembly and disassembly of electronic equipment on glass-ceramic worktops without tools, allowing for modular installations and easy maintenance, while ensuring the accessories can be positioned safely and securely, addressing the weight and handling issues of large plates.
Implementation Method 1
said connection element comprising at least one magnetic part or (at least one part) made of a material) capable of being attracted by a magnet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a novel glass ceramic plate, intended in particular for use as a furniture surface and/or worktop, and comprising, on at least one of the faces of same, in particular the lower surface of same, at least one connection element having height less than or equal to 10 cm, said connection element comprising at least one magnetised portion or at least one portion made from a material capable of being attracted by a magnet. The present invention also relates to an item of furniture and/or household equipment, and in particular a worktop or an item of furniture incorporating said plate.