Cookware Handle Optical Waveguide for Visual Information Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cookware items lack intuitive and aesthetically pleasing ways to visually output information about their operating state, cooktop association, and temperature conditions, often requiring complex circuitry and occupying valuable space.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical waveguide insulating part with light in-coupling and out-coupling points into the handle, allowing a multi-color LED light source to be controlled based on the cookware's state, association with a cooking zone, and temperature conditions, providing intuitive visual feedback through color and pattern changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional visual output units are integrated into cookware handles, then information can be displayed to users, but the structure becomes complex and occupies valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulating part (thermal management component) with the optical waveguide (information display component) into a single integrated structure. The insulating part serves dual functions: reducing heat transfer to the handle and guiding light from the LED through total internal reflection to display visual information on its external surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate display components and complex circuitry, directly resolving the contradiction between information output capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs thermal insulation and optical information display. By integrating the optical waveguide functionality into the insulating part, the system achieves universal functionality without adding additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective visual information output.
2Loss of information
If traditional visual output units are integrated into cookware handles, then information can be displayed to users, but valuable space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical display function with the existing insulating part structure, eliminating the need for separate display components that would occupy additional space. The light guide integrates seamlessly within the insulating part's volume, allowing visual information output without increasing the handle's overall size or occupying valuable space that could be used for other cookware functions.
3Loss of information
If light sources are integrated into the handle body, then visual information can be output, but heat transfer to the handle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating part acts as an intermediary between the light source and the handle body. It guides light from the LED (positioned near the cooking container) to the handle's external surface through total internal reflection, enabling visual information display without directly heating the handle. The insulating material blocks heat transfer while transmitting optical information, resolving the contradiction between visual output and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact for information transfer with optical waveguide technology. Instead of using thermal conduction to signal status (which would heat the handle), the system uses light propagation through the insulating part to convey visual information, substituting a thermal-mechanical system with an optical system that does not transfer heat to the handle.
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
This solution enables structurally simple, space-efficient, and cost-effective visual output of essential information, enhancing user interaction and cookware operation intuitiveness while preventing heat transfer and ensuring hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating part of the cookware item being disposed between the handle connection part and/or the lid to reduce a transfer of heat to the handle body, wherein the insulating part comprises an optical waveguide having at least one light in-coupling point configured to couple light emitted by the light source into the insulating part and at least one light out-coupling point configured to couple the light out of the insulating part
Data Source
AI summary
A cookware item includes: a cooking container for receiving food to be cooked and/or a lid for closing the cooking container; at least one handle for handling the cookware item, a handle body of the handle being force-transmittingly connected to the cooking container and/or to the lid of the cookware item by a handle connection part of the handle; an insulating part of the cookware item being disposed between the handle connection part and/or the lid to reduce a transfer of heat to the handle body; and an output unit at least partially integrated into the handle body and for visually outputting information to a user of the cookware item, the output unit having at least one light source, the light source being controllable by a controller of the cookware item and configured to be supplied with electrical power by a power source of the cookware item.