Handle comprising a thermoelectric generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handles for cooking vessels with thermoelectric generators face limitations in heat dissipation due to vertically mounted fins, which restrict output capacity and are disrupted by hot air circulation near gas cooktops, leading to inadequate cooling and reduced electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A handle design with a longitudinal interior cavity housing a heat sink, featuring metal fins and openings for natural convection, positioned away from hot gas circulation, allowing efficient thermal exchange with ambient air and maintaining the handle's surface temperature suitable for gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fins are mounted vertically inside the handle to create convection cooling, then cooling effect is improved, but the height of fins is limited by handle height, reducing output capacity of thermoelectric generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical fin mounting (one-dimensional height constraint) to horizontal fin arrangement within an elongated cavity (utilizing length dimension). This dimensional change allows fins to extend along the handle's length rather than being constrained by its height, significantly increasing the heat dissipation surface area and thermoelectric generator output capacity while maintaining effective cooling.
2Temperature
If radiator is positioned at the end of handle closest to pan to utilize heat source, then thermal coupling is improved, but hot air circulation from cooking disrupts convection cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiator and thermoelectric generator assembly from the handle region subject to hot air circulation (near the pan) and relocates it to a position extending into the cooler grip region. This spatial separation removes the cooling system from the harmful hot air environment while maintaining thermal coupling with the pan body through the handle structure, ensuring stable convection cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the handle structure itself as an intermediary thermal conduction path. The radiator thermally couples to the pan body through the handle material, which acts as a mediator to transfer heat away from the pan base without requiring direct placement of the radiator in the hot air circulation zone. This intermediary approach maintains thermal coupling while protecting the cooling system from hot air disruption.
3Temperature
If fins are made large enough to dissipate heat effectively, then cooling capacity is improved, but handle volume is exceeded, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the volume constraint by extending the fin array along the length of an elongated cavity rather than stacking fins vertically or arranging them in a compact three-dimensional block. This linear expansion along the handle's length provides sufficient surface area for effective heat dissipation while maintaining a simple, planar fin structure that does not increase overall device complexity.
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 design enhances heat dissipation and maintains a stable cooling source, enabling consistent electricity generation to power electronic devices, such as displays and sensors, even during prolonged heating.
Implementation Method 1
power supply means to power electronic functions operating on the principle of thermoelectric energy conversion
Implementation Method 2
openings for natural convection, positioned away from hot gas circulation, allowing efficient thermal exchange with ambient air
Implementation Method 3
heat sink extends longitudinally inside the cavity and across at least two thirds of the length of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handle for a cooking vessel that includes at least one thermoelectric generator thermally connected to a heat sink. The invention is characterised in that the handle has an inner cavity that extends longitudinally over at least one third of the length of the handle, and the heat sink extends longitudinally inside the cavity through at least two thirds of the length thereof.