Assembly unit for an induction hob, induction hob and method for manufacturing an assembly unit

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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 flexibly, featuring a box-like design with protruding side areas and connection elements, allowing for the combination of multiple elements to form a plug-in system for induction hobs with variable cooking zones, reducing the number of necessary components and simplifying manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different carrying elements are used for different numbers of cooking zones, then each induction hob configuration can be optimized, but the device complexity and number of spare parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying element is divided into modular segments that can be combined in different configurations. Each segment can carry induction elements and supporting structures, and multiple segments are connectable to form carrying elements for 2, 3, or 4 cooking zones by joining along side areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base carrying element design serves multiple functions across different induction hob configurations. The same carrying element structure with standardized connection elements can be used for 2-zone, 3-zone, or 4-zone hobs by varying the number of segments connected, reducing the need for entirely different component sets

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different carrying elements are manufactured for different cooking zone configurations, then each model can be optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and spare parts inventory increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying element is divided into modular segments that can be combined in different configurations. Each segment can carry induction elements and supporting structures, and multiple segments are connectable to form carrying elements for 2, 3, or 4 cooking zones by joining along side areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrying element design allows dynamic reconfiguration for different cooking zone numbers. Standardized connection elements enable flexible assembly of the same base components into different final configurations (2-zone, 3-zone, or 4-zone hobs) without requiring entirely different component sets for each model

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2305005B1Assembly unit for an induction hob, induction hob and method for manufacturing an assembly unit
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2305005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2305005B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2305005B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly unit (1) for an induction hob with at least one induction element, comprising a) at least one carrying element (2) for carrying the circuits and/or devices (3) for supplying the at least one induction element, b) wherein the at least one carrying element (2) comprises a base area (2a) and side areas (2b - 2e) protruding upwards from the base area (2a), c) wherein the at least one carrying element (2) is connectable with at least one further carrying element (2') along a side area (2b - 2e), d) wherein the side areas comprise d l) connection elements (10 - 19) for connection with the at least one further carrying element, d2) preferably at least one power wire slot (30) for inserting at least one power supply wire and/or d3) preferably at least one signal wire slot (30) for inserting at least one signal wire. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly unit according to one of the preceding claims, a) wherein at least two carrying elements are connected, b) wherein a first (2) and a second (2') carrying element are connected along their first side walls (2e, 2e'), where especially the first carrying element (2) is turned with respect to the second carrying element (2') by 180° and/or c) wherein the second side wall of the first carrying element (2) is connected with the forth side wall of a third carrying element (2").