Modular Heating Elements for Uniform Hob Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for hobs lack versatility and reliability in terms of form and performance, with limitations in achieving high-temperature heating and uniform heat distribution across a large area.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with multiple separable heating elements arranged to touch each other, connected by multiple connection contacts to ensure efficient current flow and heat distribution, featuring movable boundaries to enhance contact areas and heating power, and designed with electrically conductive materials capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple separable heating elements are arranged to touch each other to increase heating area, then heat distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is divided into multiple separable heating elements (at least three) that can be arranged to touch each other, forming a modular structure. Each element is independently manufacturable and can be assembled in different configurations to achieve uniform heat distribution across the heating area while managing device complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple heating elements are arranged to touch each other, merging their heating functions to create a unified heating area. This combination allows the system to achieve uniform heat distribution across a larger area while maintaining the simplicity of individual element designs.
2Temperature
If heating elements are made of electrically conductive material with high temperature resistance to enable high-temperature heating, then temperature capability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are made from electrically conductive materials with specific temperature resistance properties (greater than 200°C, preferably greater than 1,000°C or even 1,200°C). By selecting materials with appropriate parameter ranges, the invention achieves high-temperature capability while maintaining manufacturability through well-established material processing techniques.
3Reliability
If movable boundaries are provided to compensate for thermal expansion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Movable boundaries are provided on two opposite sides of the heating area, allowing the boundaries to move in response to thermal expansion of the heating elements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism compensates for dimensional changes during heating operation, maintaining reliable electrical contact without requiring complex rigid structures.
4Power
If multiple connection contacts are used to connect heating elements to power supply, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
At least one connection contact is arranged at the edge area of the heating area, providing localized electrical connection points. This distribution of connection contacts optimizes power delivery efficiency by reducing current path lengths and improving electrical contact reliability, while the modular approach keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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 enables reliable high-temperature heating, uniform heat distribution across a large area, and increased heating power through enhanced contact areas, making it suitable for various cooking tasks while maintaining ease of manufacture and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The heating elements are made of electrically conductive material... This makes it possible to maintain a heating function even for usably high temperatures
Implementation Method 2
They heat together and also touch each other... uniform heat distribution across a large area
Implementation Method 3
This provides a greatly enlarged surface area for improved radiation of the generated heat
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
An electric heating device comprises a plurality of heating elements, each separately formed and made of electrically conductive material with an electrically conductive surface. At least one heating zone is provided in which the heating elements are arranged so that they touch one another. Several heating elements are connected to each of two terminals for electrically connecting the heating elements to a power supply, which are located at the edge of the heating zone. They form at least one electrically conductive connection between the terminals, and when a voltage is applied to the terminals and current flows through them, the heating elements generate a heating effect at least at one point of contact with a terminal or with another heating element.