Movable Induction Hob Heaters for Flexible Cookware Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hob devices lack flexibility in accommodating different cooking vessel sizes and positions, limiting their effectiveness in heating a variety of cookware efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hob device with a movable heating unit comprising two mechanically coupled induction heating elements that can be positioned dynamically across a cooking zone, controlled by an actuator unit and a control unit that adjusts heating power based on the size and shape of the cookware, ensuring efficient heating of non-circular and irregularly shaped cooking zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed heating zones are provided on the hob, then different cooking vessel sizes can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is made movable instead of fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning across the hob surface. The actuator mechanism enables the heating unit to move between different positions to accommodate various cooking vessel sizes and shapes, replacing the need for multiple fixed heating zones with a single adaptable heating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A single heating unit is designed to serve multiple functions by moving to different positions on the hob. This universal heating unit can accommodate small saucepans, large casserole dishes, and irregularly shaped cookware, replacing the need for multiple specialized heating zones.
2Device complexity
If a single heating zone is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cooking vessel sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single heating unit is equipped with movement capabilities through an actuator mechanism, allowing it to dynamically reposition itself across the hob surface. This enables a single heating zone to adapt to different cooking vessel sizes and shapes without requiring multiple fixed heating zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit automatically moves to the appropriate position based on the size and shape of the cooking vessel. The control system detects the cookware parameters and autonomously repositions the heating unit to optimize heating efficiency, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heating unit is made movable with actuator mechanisms, then flexibility for different cookware is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into a separate movable heating unit that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach allows the heating unit to be produced separately and then integrated with the actuator mechanism, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to integrating movement capabilities into a fixed multi-zone system.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the heating unit is varied as a controllable parameter rather than being fixed during manufacturing. This allows the same heating unit design to be used across different applications by simply changing its position through the actuator, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
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 provides improved flexibility and efficient heating of diverse cooking vessel sizes and shapes, preventing food burning by precise power distribution and minimizing residual heat issues.
Implementation Method 1
A hob device (12) with at least one heating unit (13, 14, 20). In particular, the heating unit (20) is designed as a movable heating unit. The heating elements are designed as induction heating elements
Implementation Method 2
The heating elements 22, 24 are designed as induction heating elements
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention is based on a cooking hob device (12) having at least one heating unit (20), which has at least two mechanically coupled heating elements (22, 24). In order to achieve increased flexibility, the heating unit (20) according to the invention is designed as a movable heating unit.