Movable Cooking Module Design for Space-Efficient Appliance Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances inefficiently utilize space as folding modules must always be moved, even for operations not requiring fixed heaters, causing discomfort and suboptimal space usage.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance with a movable cooking module that can shift between positions, allowing the operating module to be hidden when not in use, optimizing space by using slide guides for vertical and horizontal movement, and incorporating a motorized arm for enhanced functionality and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If folding modules are used to enable different cooking modes, then versatility is improved, but the modules must always be moved even for operations not requiring fixed heaters, causing operational discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking appliance is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed cooking module with heating elements and a movable operating module. This segmentation allows the operating module to be independently positioned, enabling users to access fixed heating elements without moving the entire operating module, thus resolving the operational discomfort while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the operating module is always visible and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but space usage is suboptimal as it occupies room even when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The movable operating module can be positioned to lie over the fixed cooking module when not in use, creating a nested configuration where the operating module effectively disappears from the visible workspace. This nesting principle allows the operating module to be fully accessible when needed while occupying minimal space when not in use.
3Volume of moving object
If the operating module is concealed when not in use, then space usage is optimized, but accessibility and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating module is designed to be dynamically movable between a concealed position (lying over the fixed module) and an accessible position (translated horizontally to be fully visible and usable). This dynamic positioning capability ensures that the module is space-efficient when not in use but easily accessible when needed, resolving the contradiction between space optimization and accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooking appliance (1) comprising at least one cooking module (2) equipped with heating elements, and further comprising at least one operating module (4), said cooking module (2) being movable between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position it lies over said operating module (4) and in the second position it lies alongside said operating module (4), thus making it accessible.