Pivoting Induction Hob Layout for Space-Saving Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction cooking hobs are cumbersome and difficult to handle, with designs that do not efficiently utilize space or improve operability.

Innovation Solution

An induction cooker hob with a cooking plate that can be pivoted between a horizontal working position and a vertical rest position, featuring a self-contained electronics housing with an air circulating fan for cooling, allowing for compact and space-saving designs that enhance handling and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the cooking plate is made fixed and stationary, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation and space utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooking plate is designed to be movable between a horizontal working position and a vertical storage position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the cooking plate to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, improving space utilization and ease of operation while maintaining structural stability through defined pivot positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cooking plate is made movable between positions, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction cooking hob is divided into separable components: the cooking plate and the housing with electronics. This segmentation allows the cooking plate to be independently moved between positions while the housing remains stationary, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooking plate moves from a two-dimensional horizontal cooking surface to a three-dimensional configuration by pivoting vertically. This dimensional change enables space-saving storage while maintaining the cooking functionality, achieving versatility without requiring additional complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the electronics housing is integrated with the cooking plate, then the device compactness is improved, but the ease of repair and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electronics housing is separated from the cooking plate, with each component having its own housing. This segmentation maintains compactness when assembled while enabling independent access, repair, and manufacturing of each module, reducing overall complexity and improving serviceability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy movement between operational positions, reduces space requirements, and provides robust, user-friendly operation while maintaining efficient cooling of electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

The electronics housing is configured to accommodate an air circulating fan adapted to move air through the electronics housing for cooling the electronic components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

The proposed induction cooker hob further comprises at least one heating element attached to a lower side of the cooking plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2790467B1Induction cooker hob and worktop arrangement
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP2790467B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2790467B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2790467B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application in particular relates to an induction cooker hob which comprises a cooking plate (2) configured for placing cookware to be heated on an upper side thereof, and at least one induction heating element (4) attached to an averted lower side of the cooking plate (2). The hob further comprises a self-contained electronics housing (3) accommodating therein essentially all electronic components (5, 6, 7) required for operating and powering the at least one induction heating element (4).