Cooktop Sensor Retaining Means with Form-Locking Fastening Projections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for cooktops with induction heating coils face challenges in simple and versatile mounting, often interfering with the heating process or requiring complex installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a retaining means featuring elongate fastening projections and recesses, made of heat-resistant plastics, allows for form-locking attachment to the cooktop or heating means, ensuring precise positioning and non-intrusive temperature measurement between induction heating coils without impairing their function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is mounted directly to the induction heating coil, then the sensor is securely positioned, but the mounting complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate mounting structure consisting of a retaining means with fastening projections and recesses that couples the sensor element to the heating coil assembly. This intermediary component simplifies the mounting process while ensuring secure positioning, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a retaining means for securing the sensor, fastening projections for attachment, and recesses for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall mounting complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sensor element is arranged between induction heating coils, then it can measure temperature without interfering with heating, but the mounting versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is designed with universal fastening projections and recesses that can accommodate different sensor element types and mounting locations. The structure can be adapted for use between heating coils, on heating coil surfaces, or in various cooktop configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining the non-interfering measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting is designed to operate in the spatial gap between heating coils without extending into the heating zones. The elongate retaining means utilizes the lateral dimension between coils, allowing temperature measurement in the intermediate region without interfering with the vertical heating process.
3Ease of repair
If a discrete component sensor is used, then the sensor can be easily replaced, but the mounting precision and positioning accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means is pre-configured with fastening projections and recesses that guide the sensor element into the correct position during installation. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that even simple discrete component sensors achieve precise positioning and accurate orientation without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a standardized fastening system using projections and recesses. This substitution maintains positioning accuracy through geometric constraints rather than precision mechanical adjustments, enabling easy sensor replacement while preserving manufacturing 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 easy, versatile, and secure mounting of sensor devices between induction heating coils, allowing for accurate temperature detection without interfering with the heating process, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the cooktop.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element is held in such a way that it projects beyond the retaining means or projects therefrom, in particular in the case of subsequent installation, in such a way that it forms the highest point of the sensor device or indeed projects beyond a heating means to which it is mounted or together with which it is arranged in a cooktop
Implementation Method 2
a heating means with an induction heating coil
Implementation Method 3
a heating means with an induction heating coil
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a cooktop has a sensor element and a retaining means therefor of plastics material, wherein the retaining means has an upper retaining region in which the sensor element is held precisely in position and has a fastening portion connected to the retaining region. The fastening portion protrudes at right angles from a longitudinal direction of the retaining region and has fastening projections and fastening recesses for form-locking fastening of the sensor device in the outer region of a heating means of the cooktop. The at least one fastening projection protrudes laterally for engagement in the heating means, in order to be fastened thereto.