Cooking appliance comprising temperature sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances lack effective temperature monitoring and regulation systems that allow for independent control of air temperatures in multiple cavities, leading to inconsistent cooking results.
Innovation Solution
A cooking appliance design featuring a housing with a divider that defines two cavities, each equipped with a temperature sensor, where a first temperature sensor is selectively coupled to the divider and a second temperature sensor is operably coupled to the rack frame via retention features, allowing for independent detection and regulation of air temperatures in each cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used for the entire cooking cavity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature monitoring precision and cooking consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooking cavity is divided into multiple cavities with individual temperature sensors for each cavity, enabling independent temperature monitoring and control. This segmentation allows precise temperature measurement in each zone without requiring a single complex sensing system for the entire cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cavity is equipped with its own temperature sensor to capture local temperature conditions specific to that zone. This local quality approach ensures that temperature monitoring is tailored to the specific cooking requirements of each cavity, improving overall cooking consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature sensors are fixed in specific locations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different cooking configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are designed to be repositionable along the divider structure, allowing dynamic adjustment of sensor locations based on rack positions and cooking requirements. This dynamic capability maintains manufacturing precision through standardized mounting features while adapting to various cooking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, a mounting platform for temperature sensors, and a guide for sensor positioning. This universal design enables the same structure to accommodate different sensor positions and rack configurations, enhancing adaptability without compromising precision.
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 precise monitoring and independent regulation of air temperatures in multiple cavities, ensuring consistent and customizable cooking conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first temperature sensor is selectively coupled to the divider and is configured to detect an air temperature of the first cavity
Implementation Method 2
A second temperature sensor is operably coupled to the frame of the rack via retention features. The second temperature sensor is configured to detect an air temperature of the second cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cooking appliance (10) includes a housing (12) that defines a cooking cavity (48), and a divider coupled to the housing (12), defining two cavities (20, 22). A first temperature sensor (24) is coupled to the housing (12) and is configured to detect an air temperature of the first cavity (20). A rack (14) is disposed within the cooking cavity (48) and includes a second temperature sensor (26) that is coupled to a frame of the rack (14) and configured to detect an air temperature of the second cavity (22) .