Cooking appliance accessory and method of use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cooking appliances face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution during wet cooking methods, leading to temperature overshoot and undesirable coloration in food, and existing temperature probes are prone to errors due to improper insertion and exposure to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A cooking appliance accessory that includes a vessel with a temperature probe interface designed for low thermal resistance, allowing accurate temperature measurement, and a spring-loaded snap fit mechanism for secure probe contact, along with a strain relief mechanism for the probe wire, and a lid and tray for enhanced cooking control and fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional temperature probes are used in cooking appliances, then temperature measurement is possible, but the probes are prone to errors due to improper insertion and exposure to high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidprobe reliability under high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a probe interface as an intermediary component between the temperature probe and the cooking environment. This interface includes a probe port with a seal that isolates the probe from direct exposure to high temperatures and moisture, while still allowing thermal contact with the cooking medium through a thermally conductive path. The seal acts as a mediator that protects the probe from harsh conditions while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If conventional temperature probes are used without secure contact mechanisms, then the appliance structure remains simple, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to improper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidprobe interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a spring-loaded plunger mechanism that automatically pushes the temperature probe into proper contact with the cooking medium when the probe is inserted. This preliminary action ensures correct probe positioning and thermal contact without requiring user skill or intervention. The spring mechanism pre-positions the probe tip at the correct depth, eliminating insertion errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the probe wire is directly exposed in the cooking environment, then the accessory structure remains simple, but the wire is damaged by high temperatures and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe wire durabilityVSAvoidstrain relief structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where the probe wire is contained within a strain relief boot that is inserted into the probe housing. The boot acts as a protective sleeve nested within the probe assembly, providing thermal and moisture protection while accommodating wire movement. This nested arrangement protects the wire from harsh conditions without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Measurement precision

If no probe retention mechanism is used, then the accessory is easier to assemble, but the probe becomes loose and inaccurate during cooking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe positioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical retention systems with a simple spring-loaded plunger mechanism that uses elastic force rather than threads, clips, or multiple fasteners. The spring provides continuous contact force to maintain probe positioning, and the entire retention function is achieved through a single moving component that snaps into place, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 temperature control and uniform heating in wet cooking methods, reducing temperature overshoot and improving food quality, while the accessory is resilient to user errors and high-temperature exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a plunger configured to establish a conductive thermal pathway between the temperature probe and the probe interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a seal configured to prevent leakage around the probe interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS20210180797A1Cooking appliance accessory and method of use

Publication Date: 2021.06.17 JUNE LIFE INC

AI summary

The system is preferably used with a cooking appliance with a heating cavity and can include: a vessel and a temperature probe. The system can optionally include: a lid, a tray, and/or a circulator. However, the system can include any other suitable components. The system functions to monitor and/or control the temperature of a volume of working fluid in a cooking appliance with a heated cavity.