Cooking module for connecting to a kitchen appliance base and cooking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances are limited in their functionality as they can only prepare food using a specific preparation vessel, restricting the use of different cooking vessels and types.
Innovation Solution
A hotplate module that connects to a kitchen appliance base, allowing various cooking vessels to be used, featuring a glass or glass ceramic footprint, electrical heating, and a control system that regulates heat output, with optional torque transmission for stirring and induction heating, expanding the appliance's functionality without requiring additional controllers or power electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kitchen appliance base is designed with a fixed preparation vessel and control system, then the control and power supply are integrated, but the appliance can only prepare food using that specific preparation vessel, limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The kitchen appliance base is designed with a universal receiving area that can accommodate both the original preparation vessel and the removable cooktop module. The base's control unit and power supply are designed to work with both types of vessels, allowing the appliance to perform multiple functions (food preparation and cooking) without requiring separate control systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking function is segmented into a separate removable cooktop module that can be independently inserted or removed from the base. This module contains its own heating element but shares the base's control and power supply systems. The segmentation allows the appliance to switch between food preparation mode (with preparation vessel) and cooking mode (with cooktop module) by simply removing or inserting the appropriate component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cooktop module is designed to connect to a kitchen appliance base, then various cooking vessels can be used, but additional electrical connections and interfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is designed with universal mating contact means in the base and corresponding contact means on both the preparation vessel and cooktop module. This universal interface allows the base to automatically establish electrical connections regardless of which component is inserted, enabling cooking vessel compatibility without requiring complex specialized connections for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooktop module is designed to automatically establish electrical connections with the base when inserted into the receiving area. The contact means are positioned such that insertion alone triggers the electrical connection, eliminating the need for manual wiring or complex connection procedures. The module self-configures to work with the base's existing control and power supply systems.
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
Enables the use of different sized and typed cooking vessels, efficient heat regulation, and integrated stirring functions, enhancing the versatility and usability of kitchen appliances without adding complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element located below or within the surface
Implementation Method 2
the cooktop module has at least one coupling for transmitting torque, in particular at least one magnetic coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooktop module (1) for connection to a kitchen appliance base (2). The functionality of kitchen appliances is extended by the cooktop module (1) having at least one support surface (3) for at least one cooking vessel (9), at least one electric heating element (4), at least one connection area (5) for mounting on the kitchen appliance base (2), and at least one electrical contact element (6), wherein the heating element (4) can heat a cooking vessel (9) that can be positioned on the support surface (3), and wherein the heating element (4) can be electrically connected to the kitchen appliance base (2) via the electrical contact element (6).