Modular Cooktop Design for Flexible Cooking Module Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking apparatuses lack modular flexibility, limiting users' ability to customize cooking configurations and efficiently combine different cooking modules with varying heat sources and cooking methods.

Innovation Solution

A modular cooking apparatus design that allows for the combination and arrangement of various cooking modules, such as burner, induction, sous vide, and griddle modules, on a single cooktop surface, with a common mounting structure and effective insulation to prevent heat transfer between modules, enabling flexible and efficient cooking configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed non-modular cooktop design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but users cannot customize cooking configurations and combine different cooking modules flexibly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable cooking configurationsVSAvoidmodular structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooktop is divided into separate modular cooking modules (burner modules, induction modules, griddle modules, etc.) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into different configurations. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own heating element and control, allowing users to customize their cooktop by selecting and arranging specific modules to match their cooking needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of cooking modules. The same mounting mechanism supports burner modules, induction modules, griddle modules, and other cooking modules, allowing a single cooktop platform to serve multiple functions through different module combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If different cooking modules are mounted close together to maximize cooktop space, then space utilization improves, but heat transfer between modules increases causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooktop surface coverageVSAvoidheat transfer between modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Thermal insulation barriers are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent cooking modules. These barriers prevent direct heat transfer from one module to another, allowing modules to be positioned close together for maximum space utilization while eliminating harmful thermal interference. The insulation layers act as mediators that block heat flow between neighboring modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies thermal insulation specifically at the interfaces between cooking modules where heat transfer would be most problematic. Rather than insulating the entire cooktop uniformly, insulation barriers are strategically placed only where needed - between adjacent modules - to prevent localized heat interference while maintaining overall cooking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular cooking modules are used to enable flexible configurations, then adaptability improves, but the mounting structure and alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidmodule alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Mounting guides and alignment features are pre-formed during module manufacturing, ensuring that when modules are assembled, they automatically align with the required precision. The mounting structures include built-in positioning elements that guide module placement before final securing, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and ensuring consistent alignment across different module configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of energy

If insulation barriers are added between cooking modules to prevent heat transfer, then heat management improves, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer between modulesVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal insulation barriers are integrated into the mounting structure itself rather than being separate additional components. The mounting brackets or support structures incorporate insulation material as part of their design, combining the mechanical support function with the thermal isolation function in a single integrated element, thereby preventing heat transfer without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11846431B2Cooking apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Provided is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus has a structure in which cooking modules different from each other are selectively mounted with a free arrangement structure on a top surface of the cooking apparatus.