Modular Cooking Pad with Integrated Electronics for Hob Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underlay devices for cooking systems lack flexibility and compatibility with various hobs and cooking utensils, often requiring specific positioning and energy supply methods, which limits their adaptability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A modular underlay device with a separate, flexible underlay unit and integrated electronics that includes a positioning system, temperature sensor, and energy reception unit, allowing for independent operation and compatibility with different hobs and cooking utensils, featuring a heat-insulating material and contactless energy reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the underlay device is integrated with the hob control unit, then the control functionality is unified, but the flexibility and adaptability to different hobs and cooking utensils is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The underlay device is divided into separate functional modules: the underlay unit with thermal insulation properties, the electronics unit with control circuitry, and the positioning unit with sensors. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall flexibility and adaptability to different hob configurations and cooking utensils.
2Ease of operation
If the underlay device requires specific positioning on the mounting plate, then the heating efficiency is optimized, but the ease of operation and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning unit automatically detects the position of the cooking utensil and adjusts the heating zone accordingly without requiring manual intervention from the user. The system self-calibrates by detecting the utensil's location, size, and material properties, thereby eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual positioning mechanisms are replaced with electronic sensors and automated control systems. The positioning unit uses optical or electromagnetic sensors to detect the cooking utensil's position and automatically adjusts the heating elements, replacing mechanical positioning requirements with electronic detection and control.
3Ease of repair
If the electronics unit is integrated into the underlay unit, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of repair and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics unit is designed as a separate, removable module from the underlay unit, allowing independent access, repair, or replacement of electronic components without disassembling the entire device. This modular architecture maintains structural simplicity while significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional energy supply methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different cooking systems and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply system is designed to accept multiple energy input methods including wired electrical connections, wireless inductive charging, and battery power. This multi-functional energy interface allows the underlay device to be compatible with different cooking systems and power sources, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
The solution provides high flexibility and comfort by enabling the underlay device to be positioned freely, preventing heat transfer to the mounting plate, ensuring safe and efficient cooking with various utensils, and eliminating the need for battery replacement, while maintaining a durable and environmentally friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
The underlay device (10) has a receiving unit (34), which is provided for contactless receiving of energy, in particular electromagnetic energy. The receiving unit (34) is provided for supplying energy to at least part of the electronics unit (18).
Implementation Method 2
The underlay device is provided with an underlay unit (12), which is intended to be positioned between a mounting plate (14) and a cooking utensil (16).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pad device (10) comprising at least one pad unit (12) that is to be placed at least in part between a mounting plate (14) and a heated cooking vessel (16) in at least one heating operating mode. In order to provide a generic device having improved properties in respect of great flexibility, according to the invention, the pad device (10) includes an electronic unit (18) which is to provide at least one function in at least one operating mode.