Hob system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob systems with multiple energy converter configurations face logistical and capital constraints due to the need for stock production of various variants, and they often have difficult-to-clean gaps and steps, which can lead to maintenance issues and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular hob system design featuring a one-piece cooking support with interchangeable energy converters of different output forms, integrated extraction devices, and a user-friendly interface, allowing for customizable configurations that reduce logistical efforts and enhance maintenance, while minimizing gaps and steps for easier cleaning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy converter configurations are produced in stock, then customer requirements can be met, but logistical effort increases and capital is tied up
Solution Approach 1:
The hob system is segmented into a base unit and interchangeable energy converter modules. Each energy converter is a separate, standalone component that can be independently produced and stored. This segmentation allows the base unit to be produced once in stock, while only the modular energy converters need to be varied to meet different customer requirements, significantly reducing logistical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base hob unit is designed with universal compatibility to accept different types of energy converter modules (induction, radiant heat, gas, electric mass). This universality allows a single base design to support multiple configuration variants by simply changing the energy converter module, eliminating the need to produce and stock multiple complete hob system variants.
2Stability of the object's composition
If energy converters are fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but defective modules cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device incorporates a release mechanism that allows the energy converter module to be dynamically removed and reinstalled. The module can be securely fixed during operation (stable state) but can be easily released when replacement is needed (transient state). This dynamic capability enables both structural stability during use and easy replacement during maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hob configuration variants are produced, then individual customer requirements can be met, but stock production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The product is segmented into a standardized base unit and varied energy converter modules. The base unit can be produced once in large quantities (economies of scale), while the energy converter modules are produced in smaller batches to match customer demand for specific types (induction, radiant heat, gas, electric mass). This segmentation transforms complex multi-variant stock production into simple modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base hob unit serves as a template or copy that can be combined with different energy converter modules to create various configurations. Instead of producing entirely different hob systems for each configuration, the same base design is copied and paired with different modules, simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 modular design enables flexible adaptation to customer needs, simplifies maintenance, reduces logistical complexities, and enhances safety by eliminating difficult-to-clean areas and minimizing active heating zones, thus improving the overall efficiency and usability of the hob system.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction device can be designed as a downdraft fan
Implementation Method 2
The initial form of energy that is essential for heating the cooking-ware support and/or the cooking utensil can be electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic radiation can be thermal radiation
Implementation Method 4
The initial form of energy that is essential for heating the cooking-ware support and/or the cooking utensil can be electromagnetic radiation and/or a thermal flow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooktop system (1). This system comprises an extractor device (2) for extracting cooking fumes downwards, a one-piece cooking support (3) for supporting food (14) and/or cookware (13), and a plurality of energy converters (4) arranged on the cooking support (3), which are designed to convert an input energy form (15) into an output energy form (16) intended for heating the cooking support (3) and/or the cookware (13), wherein at least two of the energy converters (4) differ with respect to the input energy form (15) and/or the output energy form (16) to be converted, and wherein the energy converters (4) are each modularly designed and thus interchangeably arranged on the cooking support (3).