Gas Cooker Temperature Sensor Mounting for Easy Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas cookers with protruding temperature sensors are difficult to clean due to obstacles and dirt accumulation at the edges between the cooktop and sensor mounting points, complicating the cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A detachable connection system using magnetic holding means and a ferromagnetic shielding element allows the temperature sensor to be easily removed and cleaned, with the shielding element being a hollow circular cylinder made of ferromagnetic steel, providing protection from heat and facilitating tool-free mounting and dismounting, and the support can be arranged for separate cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the temperature sensor is permanently mounted on the cooktop, then the sensor provides continuous temperature monitoring, but the cooktop becomes difficult to clean due to obstacles and dirt accumulation at mounting edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a detachable magnetic connection system that allows the temperature sensor to be dynamically repositioned or removed from the cooktop surface. The magnetic holder enables the sensor to be easily detached and reattached without tools, transforming the static mounting into a dynamic configuration that adapts to cleaning needs while maintaining continuous monitoring capability when in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor system is segmented into separate components: the sensor element, the magnetic holder, and the cooktop surface. This segmentation allows the sensor to be independently removed from the cooktop surface, eliminating the obstacle problem during cleaning while maintaining the functional integrity of the temperature monitoring system when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the temperature sensor is exposed directly on the cooktop, then the sensor is easily accessible, but the sensor is exposed to heat and potential damage from the burner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor accessibilityVSAvoidheat exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic holder serves as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the cooktop surface. It provides a mounting mechanism that positions the sensor close to the cooking surface for accurate temperature detection while maintaining a protective distance that reduces direct heat exposure and potential damage from the burner flames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the temperature sensor is integrated into the cooktop structure, then the mounting is stable, but the sensor cannot be easily removed for cleaning or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidsensor removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting methods (screws, clips, or adhesive) with a magnetic field-based holding system. This substitution provides stable mounting through magnetic attraction forces while enabling easy removal by simply overcoming the magnetic force, eliminating the need for tools or complex disassembly procedures for sensor maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution enables easy cleaning of the gas cooker by eliminating obstacles, ensuring accurate sensor readings, and protecting the sensor from heat, while maintaining a homogeneous surface structure, thus simplifying the cleaning process and enhancing the overall usability of the gas cooker.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet is provided below the cooktop, which holds the shielding element by means of a magnetic force between the magnet and the shielding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2312218B1Gas cooker
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP2312218B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2312218B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2312218B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention belongs to a a gas cooker (1, 1', 1") comprising a cooktop (2) with at least one burner (3) having a burner crown (6), a support (5, 5', 5'') arranged to receive a cooking recipient (32) above the burner (3), a sensor (4) for detecting the temperature of the cooking recipient (32) placed on the support (5, 5', 5''), and a control unit (31) for controlling the burner (3) on the basis of sensor output values of the sensor (4), whereas the sensor (4) is provided outside the burner crown (6) by means of a detachable connection, so that the sensor (4) can be removed when cleaning the gas cooker (1, 1', 1").