Modular Induction Hob Housing With Rotated Plastic Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction hobs face challenges in designing a housing part that is safe, cost-effective, versatile, and inexpensive, while also providing effective protection and insulation for the underside.
Innovation Solution
The housing part is composed of at least two identical plastic individual components that can be arranged identically or rotated, forming a modular structure that covers the underside of the induction hob, allowing for simpler production and easier handling, with additional parts enabling adaptation to different configurations and functions such as ventilation and housing of electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a housing part is made as a single large plastic component, then it provides complete coverage and protection, but production costs and tooling complexity increase disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The housing part is divided into multiple smaller plastic components (first plastic component, second plastic component, and optionally third and fourth components) that can be produced separately using standard-sized injection molding machines, then assembled together to form the complete housing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured within the capacity of available tools and presses, avoiding the need for oversized equipment while maintaining complete coverage when assembled.
2Ease of manufacture
If the housing part is divided into multiple smaller components, then production and handling become easier, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple plastic components are designed with complementary geometries and connection features that enable them to be assembled together into a unified housing structure. The first and second plastic components are positioned adjacent to each other, with optional third and fourth components completing the enclosure, creating an integrated housing that protects the induction heating device while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If identical individual parts are used in rotated arrangement, then production simplicity and versatility increase, but ensuring proper orientation and alignment becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
While the plastic components themselves are identical in design, they incorporate asymmetric connection features, mounting interfaces, or geometric characteristics that enable correct identification and orientation during assembly. This allows the components to be arranged in rotated configurations (including 180-degree rotations) to adapt to different hob designs while ensuring proper alignment through the asymmetric features that guide correct placement.
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
This modular design reduces production costs and complexity, enhances stability, and allows for versatile configurations while providing effective protection and insulation, including ventilation for cooling and housing of control and power electronics.
Implementation Method 1
Induktionskochfeld mit einem Gehäuseteil, das mindestens aus zwei gleichen oder entsprechenden individuellen Teilen besteht, die miteinander verbunden sind
Implementation Method 2
induktionskochfeld (100) mit einem Kochfeld (110) und mindestens einem Induktor (120) unterhalb des Kochfeldes (110)
Data Source
AI summary
The housing part (11) has left and right individual parts (13a, 13b) made of plastic. The two individual parts are designed identical or arranged in an identical arrangement or a rotated arrangement at or as the housing part. Other parts are designed as a holder for function units of a cooking hob. The latter parts are identically designed relative to each other. The former individual parts downwardly cover heating devices of the hob. The former individual parts are provided with openings (20a, 20b) i.e. ventilation openings.