Cooktop Temperature Sensor Mounting for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measurement devices for induction hobs face issues with maintaining thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the thermal conductor due to pressure relaxation from crimping, leading to a loss of thermal connection as temperatures increase.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a temperature sensor, a support element with protuberances, and a metal thermal conductor with retaining parts, where the protuberances are housed in recesses of the thermal conductor, ensuring a secure thermal connection even at elevated temperatures, along with elastomeric materials for the support element to maintain insulation and ease of mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crimping is used to fix the support element to the thermal conductor, then the assembly is initially secure, but the thermal contact is lost when temperature increases due to pressure relaxation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contact reliabilityVSAvoidcrimping pressure stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is divided into a body portion and protrusions, where the body provides structural support and the protrusions engage with recesses in the thermal conductor. This segmentation allows the crimping force to be applied locally at the protrusions rather than distributing pressure across the entire support element, reducing overall pressure relaxation when temperature increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is made from elastomeric material that combines electrical insulation properties with mechanical flexibility. This composite material approach allows the support element to maintain electrical insulation while providing compliant engagement with the thermal conductor, accommodating thermal expansion without losing mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the support element is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then mechanical strength is improved, but electrical insulation and adaptability to thermal expansion are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport element strengthVSAvoidthermal expansion adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support element uses elastomeric material whose mechanical properties change with temperature. The material becomes slightly more compliant at elevated temperatures, allowing it to adapt to thermal expansion of the thermal conductor while maintaining sufficient structural strength. This parameter change enables the support element to accommodate dimensional changes without losing mechanical integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The support element is designed as a flexible elastomeric component that can deform elastically to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the thermal conductor. This flexibility allows the support element to maintain continuous contact with the thermal conductor through temperature cycles while providing electrical insulation and mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Power

If the thermal conductor is made of metal for good thermal conductivity, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical conductivity increases making electromagnetic shielding necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support element made from elastomeric material serves as an intermediary between the inductor and the thermal conductor. This elastomeric layer provides electrical insulation that blocks electromagnetic interference from the inductor from reaching the thermal conductor and temperature sensor, while still allowing thermal energy to pass through via conduction and radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material is applied locally at the interface between the inductor and the thermal conductor assembly. This localized insulation provides electromagnetic shielding exactly where needed - at the point of potential interference - without requiring the entire thermal conductor to be insulated or using expensive ferrite materials throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution ensures consistent thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the thermal conductor, providing accurate temperature measurements over time without deformation from temperature variations, while also maintaining electrical insulation and resistance to electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal conductor in thermal contact with the temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3064916B1Device for measuring temperature for a cooktop

Publication Date: 2019.05.08 GRP BRANDT

Figure 1~3
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 4~5

AI summary

A device for measuring the temperature of a container placed above an inductor in a cooktop includes a temperature sensor (2), a support element (1) for the temperature sensor (2), and a thermal conductor (3). The support element (1) has two protrusions (4), and the thermal conductor (3) has two retaining pieces (5), each retaining piece (5) having a recess (50) for housing a protrusion (4) of the support element (1).