Modular Carrying Element Assembly for Induction Hob Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs require different carrying elements for varying numbers of cooking zones, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and spare parts, making it difficult to create new versions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly unit with carrying elements that can be connected via side areas and connection elements, featuring power and signal wire slots, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced part variability, forming a plug-in system for induction heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different carrying elements are used for induction hobs with different numbers of cooking zones, then the induction hob can be adapted to various configurations, but the device complexity and number of spare parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying element is divided into modular segments that can be connected in series. Each segment contains connection elements on its side areas, allowing multiple identical segments to be assembled together to form carrying elements suitable for different numbers of cooking zones, thereby reducing the variety of unique parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal carrying element design with standardized connection elements can serve multiple functions by being assembled in different quantities and configurations to support induction hobs with varying numbers of cooking zones, eliminating the need for multiple specialized carrying element designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different carrying elements are produced for different induction hob versions, then specific configurations are optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the carrying element into standardized modular units with identical connection interfaces, the manufacturing process can produce large quantities of a single universal component type, which is then assembled into different configurations through simple mechanical connection, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity compared to producing multiple unique carrying element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical carrying element segments are nested or connected together in a hierarchical manner, where each segment contains the same internal structure and connection elements, allowing scalable assembly from 2 to 4 or more cooking zones using the same basic building block.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new versions of induction hobs are created with different numbers of cooking zones, then product variety is increased, but the development complexity and number of new components required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal carrying element design allows a single component blueprint to serve multiple product versions. By varying only the number of identical segments assembled together rather than redesigning the entire carrying element, development complexity is reduced and fewer new components need to be created for each new product version.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-design carrying elements to a dynamic, scalable configuration where the same modular unit can be replicated and connected in variable quantities (2, 3, or 4 segments) to adapt to different cooking zone requirements, enabling flexible product development without proportional increases in component complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly unit for an induction hob with at least one induction element has a) at least one carrying element for carrying the circuits and/or devices for supplying the at least one induction element. The at least one carrying element has a base area and side areas protruding upwards from the base area. The at least one carrying element is connectable with at least one further carrying element along a side area. The side areas have connection elements for connection with the at least one further carrying element, preferably at least one power wire slot for inserting at least one power supply wire and/or preferably at least one signal wire slot for inserting at least one signal wire. Furthermore, the invention a method for manufacturing an assembly unit is described.