Curved Heat Conductor for Induction Cooktop Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measurement devices for induction hobs are costly and inefficient when measuring multiple inductors, as they require multiple sensors and complex signal processing, and fail to accurately measure maximum temperatures due to radial heat conductor arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A temperature measurement device with a curved heat conductor that covers each group of inductors, allowing for a single sensor per group, reduced electronic components, and improved thermal monitoring by positioning branches symmetrically between the central and outer edges of each inductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single temperature sensor is used per inductor, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase proportionally with the number of inductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of temperature sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple temperature sensors are merged into a single integrated temperature measurement device that can measure temperatures across multiple inductors simultaneously. The device includes a housing with multiple sensor receptacles that accommodate several temperature sensors, allowing one unified device to replace multiple individual sensor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature measurement device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can monitor temperatures of multiple inductors through a single device. The housing structure with multiple receptacles and the common housing body enable the device to perform temperature measurement across different inductor positions without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each inductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are used for each inductor, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature sensors into a single integrated housing unit, reducing the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and installed. This merging approach maintains comprehensive temperature monitoring capability while lowering manufacturing costs through reduced component count and simplified assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature measurement device is segmented into a modular housing structure with distinct receptacles for each sensor, allowing for standardized manufacturing of the housing unit that can accommodate multiple sensors. This segmentation enables mass production of the housing component with pre-defined sensor positions, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If radial heat conductor arrangement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision is reduced due to averaged temperature readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat conductor arrangement simplicityVSAvoidmaximum temperature measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heat conductor arrangement transitions from a symmetric radial pattern to an asymmetric configuration where at least one heat conductor extends preferentially toward the outer edge of the inductor. This asymmetric positioning allows the heat conductor to target the specific region where maximum temperature occurs during induction heating, thereby improving measurement precision of peak temperatures while maintaining reasonable device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 reduces costs, simplifies installation, ensures reliable and safe temperature monitoring of each inductor, and accurately measures maximum temperatures, enabling reactive temperature changes detection.

Implementation Method 1

a heat conductor (9) in thermal relationship with said temperature sensor (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2445309B1Method for measuring the temperature of a set of induction units of an induction cooktop and associated induction cooktop

Publication Date: 2016.05.25 GRP BRANDT

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The device (7) has a temperature sensor (8) delivering temperature measurement, and a heat conductor (9) in thermal relation with the sensor. The conductor has a set of branches (10) connected to a common base (11) in relation with the sensor. Each branch of the conductor is partially placed in a median zone situated between a central zone (12) and an outer edge (13) of each inductor (2). A portion of each branch of the conductor placed in the middle zone is curved according to form of the inductor. An independent claim is also included for an induction cook top, comprising a group of inductors equipped with a temperature measuring device.