Cookware Temperature Sensing Assembly with Shielded Thermal Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cookware temperature control methods rely on trial and error, as different cookware and burner combinations produce varying cooking temperatures for the same burner settings, making it difficult to achieve precise temperature matching.

Innovation Solution

A cooking pan with a thermal probe and gauge assembly that attaches to the handle, allowing for real-time temperature monitoring and display, featuring a shield to protect the probe from radiant heat and deformation due to heat exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional trial and error methods are used to match cooking temperatures with burner settings, then the process is simple to operate, but the temperature control precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error adjustment process with a thermal sensing system that automatically measures and displays pan surface temperature. The thermal probe detects temperature through the pan base, and the display unit provides real-time feedback, eliminating the need for manual guessing and experience-based adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooking system becomes self-monitoring through the thermal probe that continuously measures pan temperature without user intervention. The display unit automatically updates the temperature reading, allowing the system to inform the user of the actual cooking conditions without requiring manual assessment or adjustment attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a thermal probe is exposed to radiant heat from the burner, then the temperature detection may be affected, but adding a shield increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shield as an intermediary component between the radiant heat source and the thermal probe. This shield blocks direct radiant heat from reaching the probe, ensuring that the probe only measures the actual pan surface temperature through thermal conduction, not environmental radiation. The shield is integrated into the handle assembly, making it a unified structure rather than a separate additive component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the thermal probe is retained in the pan body hole with interference fit, then the connection is secure, but thermal expansion at high temperature may cause deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe retention strengthVSAvoidstructural stability at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accounts for thermal expansion by designing the hole diameter to be slightly larger than the probe diameter at room temperature (0.2mm greater). This parameter adjustment ensures that when the assembly heats up during cooking, the probe and hole expand together without creating excessive stress or deformation, while still maintaining adequate retention through the interference fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The design explicitly incorporates thermal expansion considerations by sizing the clearance between the probe and hole to accommodate expansion at cooking temperatures. The 0.2mm clearance provides sufficient room for thermal growth while maintaining secure retention, preventing deformation that would occur with a tighter fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 users to accurately control and monitor cooking temperatures, ensuring optimal cooking conditions and extending the lifespan of cookware by maintaining temperatures within a specified range.

Implementation Method 1

The thermal probe can be configured to detect a temperature of the pan body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

A shield can be provided to block the thermal probe from radiant heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat blocking: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

The burner produces heat that is then absorbed and transmitted by the cookware to the items being cooked within the cookware

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240219243A1Temperature sensing pan

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC

AI summary

Cookware is provided having a temperature sensing assembly for indicating a temperature of the cookware. In one embodiment, a cooking pan is provided having a pan body with a cooking surface and a heating surface opposite the cooking surface. A handle can be attached to the pan body, and a thermal gauge can be mounted on the handle. A thermal probe can extend from the gauge into the pan body to measure a temperature of the pan body. In some embodiments, a shield can surround at least a portion of the thermal probe to block the thermal probe from radiant heat.