Two-Legged Clamping Element for Hob Fixation with Uneven Worktop Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for hobs in worktops lack secure fixation and position-accurate insertion centering, and fail to guarantee a maximum contact force due to uneven worktop cut-out edges and complex constructive requirements.
Innovation Solution
A two-legged clamping element with a retaining attachment and clamping elements like claws, guided by an installation spring, allowing displacement and pivoting around a virtual pivot axis, ensuring maximum clamping force only when the elements are fully assembled, and featuring inclined leg webs and a curved locking curve for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If built-in springs with freely projecting V-shaped legs are used to clamp the hob, then the hob can be inserted into the worktop cutout, but the contact force between the hob and worktop is reduced and not maximized due to uneven worktop cut-out edges
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed with movable clamping legs that can pivot and adjust their position dynamically. The legs are guided along the inclined locking surfaces and can adapt to variations in the worktop cut-out edges, maintaining optimal clamping force despite manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to compensate for uneven surfaces while maximizing contact force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element utilizes spring force as a variable parameter that can be adjusted to optimize clamping pressure. The spring constant and pre-compression force are selected to ensure sufficient contact force between the hob and worktop, compensating for variations in cut-out edge uniformity. The spring force increases as the clamping legs move toward the locked position, ensuring maximum contact force is achieved.
2Reliability
If complex constructive precautions are taken on both built-in elements to achieve secure fixation, then fixation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is divided into distinct functional segments: the body with inclined locking surfaces, the movable clamping legs with clamping elements, and the spring mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design. The clamping legs can be independently adjusted and replaced if needed, reducing the complexity of the entire fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting during installation. The inclined locking surfaces automatically guide the clamping legs into the correct position, and the spring force automatically adjusts to maximize contact force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional adjustment mechanisms, reducing constructive complexity while maintaining high fixation reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the clamping element is designed with guided displacement and pivoting capability, then position-accurate insertion centering is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping legs are designed with curved guiding surfaces that follow the contour of the worktop cut-out edges. The inclined locking surfaces are angled to guide the legs smoothly into the locked position, ensuring accurate centering of the hob in the worktop. The curved geometry of the guiding surfaces provides automatic alignment and centering without requiring complex mechanical guidance mechanisms.
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 solution provides secure and position-accurate fastening of the hob to the worktop, ensuring a consistent and maximum contact force, even with uneven surfaces, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring leg attached to one of the built-in elements (hob or worktop) which clamps resiliently on the other built-in element
Data Source
Figure 1~3.4
AI summary
The mounting element has a mounting spring (1) fixed to the installation element. A double arm clamping element (10) is movable at the mounting spring limited by end stops and is movably guided around a virtual pivot axis. The clamping element has a holding extension (12) lockable at the other installation element (21) at one of the two handle bars (13.1,13.2).