Table top

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table tops with induction heating devices have fixed positions, leading to issues with heat damage to printed heating regions and inability to change the heating position when the device is moved, limiting user convenience and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A table top design featuring a removable energy supply module and a light-transmissive upper plate that allows the heating region to be easily repositioned, using a cover with heat-resistant and light-transmissive materials to accommodate the energy supply module and display the heating region, enabling flexible placement and maintenance of the induction heating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the induction heating device is fixed at a position on the table top, then the device can be installed and used, but the position cannot be readily changed and the heating region cannot be repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating device is divided into a separate energy supply module that can be independently removed and repositioned from the table top, allowing flexible placement without complex installation procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The energy supply module transitions from a fixed state to a movable state, enabling users to change its position on the table top as needed, while the heating region indication dynamically updates to reflect the new position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a heating region is printed on the upper plate of the table top, then the heating region can be displayed, but the printing may be damaged by heat and the position cannot be changed when the device is moved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating region repositionabilityVSAvoidprinting durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A light-transmissive cover is introduced as an intermediary layer between the upper plate and the energy supply module. The heating region is displayed through this cover using light transmission rather than heat-resistant printing, eliminating the problem of printing damage while enabling repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical printing method is replaced with an optical system using a light-transmissive cover and light source to display the heating region, allowing dynamic repositioning without physical contact or thermal damage to the display medium

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a light-transmissive cover is used to display the heating region, then the heating region can be easily repositioned, but the table top structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating region repositioning easeVSAvoidtable top structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-transmissive cover is merged with the energy supply module housing, combining the protective cover function with the structural housing to minimize additional components while enabling light-transmissive heating region display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the energy supply module, transmits light to display the heating region, and provides a heat-resistant barrier, eliminating the need for separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the energy supply module to be positioned as needed, maintaining the table's rigidity and shape while allowing the heating region to be easily changed, enhancing user convenience and preventing heat damage to the printed heating areas.

Implementation Method 1

a light source 150, and a light-transmissive portion. The light source 150 supplies light to the light-transmissive portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an induction heating device for heating metal cooking equipment by induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3537050B1Table top
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3537050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537050B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3537050B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is a table top including: an upper plate, which is constituted by a plate-shaped non-magnetic member so as to support an electronic or cooking device placed thereon; an energy supply module, which is disposed under the upper plate so as to supply energy to the electronic or cooking device; at least one light source configured to generate light; and at least one light-transmissive portion, which is provided in the upper plate and through which the light generated by the light source is transmitted; and at least one light guide configured to guide the light, generated by the light source, to the light-transmissive portion, wherein the at least one light guide allows at least a portion of the light, generated by the light source, to be emitted upward from the upper plate through the light-transmissive portion.