Cooktop Sensor Seal Assembly for Accurate Pan Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooktop appliances lack effective temperature sensors that can withstand high temperatures and protect against liquids, making accurate temperature measurement during cooking challenging and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A sealing temperature sensor assembly with a plate, cylindrically-shaped boss, and grommet disk that includes seals and a movable cap to position a temperature sensor in close proximity to cooking utensils while protecting it from heat and spills, using resilient materials and seals to maintain contact and contain liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with or close proximity to the cooking utensil to obtain accurate temperature information, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor is exposed to damage from heat and spills during the cooking process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal assembly comprising a plate, grommet, and cap as an intermediary structure between the temperature sensor and the cooking environment. The plate with annular groove and seal provides thermal and liquid isolation, while the cap positioned within the grommet opening allows the sensor to extend close to the cookware. This intermediary assembly protects the sensor from direct exposure to heat and spills while maintaining measurement precision through proper sensor positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the cap is positioned within the grommet opening, which itself is formed in the grommet disk that engages with the plate. The temperature sensor extends through these nested components (plate → grommet → cap) to reach the measurement position. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be protected by multiple concentric barriers while still accessing the cooking zone for accurate temperature measurement.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors and related components are added to the cooktop appliance to enable temperature measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but the appliance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a grommet (typically made of flexible rubber or polymer material) as a key component of the seal assembly. This flexible grommet provides sealing, positioning, and protective functions in a single inexpensive component. The flexible nature of the grommet allows it to accommodate thermal expansion and maintain seal integrity without requiring complex rigid structures, thereby reducing overall assembly cost while enabling temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly components serve multiple functions simultaneously: the plate provides structural support and sealing surface, the grommet provides sealing, positioning, and protection, and the cap provides additional sealing and sensor mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall structure and reducing appliance cost while maintaining the temperature measurement capability.
3Reliability
If a seal assembly with plate, grommet, and cap is used to protect the temperature sensor from heat and liquids, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective seal assembly into three distinct segments: a plate with annular groove, a grommet with grommet opening, and a cap. Each segment performs specific functions (sealing, positioning, protection) and can be manufactured independently using standard processes. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection for the temperature sensor against heat and liquids.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor assembly for a cooktop appliance can include a plate with a cylindrically-shaped boss, one or more seals located in one or more grooves of the plate, a grommet disk engaged with the bottom surface of the plate, and a cylindrically-shaped grommet in which a cap for a temperature sensor is positioned and is slidable therein.