Cooktop Sensor Mounting With Damping for Accurate Vessel Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking devices with automatic functions face challenges in accurately detecting cooking parameters like temperature without obstructing the user's space or risking damage from mechanical loads, particularly when using contact-based sensors.

Innovation Solution

A cooking device with a sensor device mounted elastically below the support device, using a damping system and magnetic shielding, allows for precise non-contact temperature measurement of cooking vessels while protecting against mechanical impacts and electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor device is arranged directly below the support device for accurate temperature detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the support device becomes vulnerable to mechanical damage from impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidsupport device durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a damping device between the sensor device and the support device. This damping device absorbs mechanical impacts before they can reach the sensor device, protecting it from damage while maintaining its close proximity to the support device for accurate temperature detection. The damping device acts as a protective buffer that is pre-positioned to cushion against potential impacts from cookware or other objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor device is positioned close to the support device for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor device becomes vulnerable to mechanical loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical variable detection accuracyVSAvoidmechanical impact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a damping device as a mediator between the sensor device and the external environment. This damping device serves as an intermediary element that transmits thermal signals for accurate measurement while filtering out harmful mechanical impacts. The damping device acts as a protective intermediary that allows the sensor to remain close to the support device for accurate detection without being directly exposed to mechanical hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a rigid arrangement of the sensor device is used for stable positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but damage occurs during mechanical impacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the mechanical coupling characteristics between the sensor device and the support device. Instead of a rigid fixed connection, the damping device introduces viscoelastic or viscous damping characteristics that allow the sensor device to maintain stable positioning for accurate measurement while accommodating mechanical impacts through controlled deformation. The damping device changes the mechanical parameters of the connection from rigid to compliant, enabling both stable positioning and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures accurate and reliable detection of cooking parameters without obstructing the user's space and enhances durability by absorbing impact loads, preventing damage to the sensor and support device.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor device is arranged at least partially elastically and in particular at least essentially elastically in the installed position of the hob below the support device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

At least one damping device is provided, by means of which damping device the sensor device is arranged at least partially elastically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

WO 2008/148 529 A1 provides a thermal sensor below the hob plate, which detects thermal radiation and uses this to determine a temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2775790B1Cooking device
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2775790B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2775790B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2775790B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The device (1) has a cooking area (11) with a cooking point (21), and a heating device (2) that is arranged for heating of a cooking zone (31). A sensor device (3) is arranged for detecting a physical quantity. The cooking area is arranged with a support unit (5) that is suitable and adapted for positioning a container containing an item to be cooked. A damping device is arranged in a partially elastic manner and is utilized for arranging the sensor device in an installation position below the support unit.