Induction Cooking Appliance Sensor Holder for Stable Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating cooking appliances face issues with temperature sensor accuracy due to varying contact with the cover plate, risk of damage from impacts, and complex assembly processes for temperature sensors and fuses, which can lead to malfunction or disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A holder is integrated with a supporter to elastically support the temperature sensor and fuse, ensuring reliable contact and reducing impact, while integrating sensor and fuse assembly to simplify the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the degree of contact between the temperature sensor and the cover plate is increased, then the accuracy of the temperature measurement is improved, but the risk of damage to the temperature sensor or cover plate due to impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidrisk of damage to temperature sensor or cover plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temperature sensor holder as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the cover plate. The holder includes a receiving hole that accommodates the temperature sensor and positioning protrusions that contact the cover plate, thereby mediating the contact force and protecting both the sensor and cover plate from direct impact damage while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact forces before they reach the temperature sensor. The positioning protrusions on the holder contact the cover plate first, cushioning the impact and preventing direct transmission of force to the fragile temperature sensor, thus reducing damage risk while maintaining stable contact for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the degree of contact between the temperature sensor and the cover plate is lowered, then the risk of damage is reduced, but the accuracy of the temperature measurement is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of damage to temperature sensor or cover plateVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder acts as an intermediary that maintains optimal contact pressure between the positioning protrusions and the cover plate surface. This mediation ensures sufficient contact for accurate temperature measurement while preventing excessive force that could cause damage, effectively resolving the trade-off between measurement accuracy and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If separate mounting structures are provided for the temperature sensor and fuse, then each component can be independently secured, but the number of assembly processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of sensor and fuseVSAvoidnumber of assembly processes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mounting structures for the temperature sensor and fuse into a single integrated holder. The holder contains both a receiving hole for the temperature sensor and a receiving groove for the fuse, allowing both components to be mounted simultaneously in one assembly operation, thereby reducing the number of assembly processes while maintaining secure mounting of both components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves multiple functions: it mounts the temperature sensor, mounts the fuse, provides positioning against the cover plate, and protects both components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces assembly complexity while ensuring reliable securement of both the sensor and fuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances temperature measurement accuracy by stabilizing the sensor-contact, reduces damage risk, and simplifies assembly, improving overall appliance reliability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one holder being coupled to the induction heating element, the holder comprises a receiving hole being open toward the cover plate, and a sensing portion inserted into the receiving hole and having at least a portion that protrudes from the holder toward the cover plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The basic heating principle of the induction heating cooking appliance is that food items contained in a container is cooked by induction heating of the cooking container; The cooking container includes a magnetic substance, wherein a current is applied to a heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The working coil may form a magnetic field using a current flowing through the working coil. The magnetic field may generate heat in the cooking container itself, which is an object to be heated, placed on the cover plate by the induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3930425B1Cooking appliance
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3930425B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3930425B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3930425B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a cooking appliance. According to the present disclosure, a holder is disposed in an induction heating element provided below a cover plate, and a supporter disposed inside the holder supports a sensing portion inserted into the holder to contact the sensing portion to the cover plate.