Kitchen Vessel Thermochromatic Lug Sensor With Interchangeable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen vessel thermochromatic paint methods require specific tools, are limited to precise temperature ranges, and wear out during cleaning and heating, necessitating additional coating steps and tools.

Innovation Solution

A kitchen vessel with affixed thermochromatic sensor elements that can be independently painted or coated using conventional systems, allowing for interchangeable thermochromatic pigment means to detect various temperature ranges without additional decorating operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermochromatic paint is applied to gripping lugs using automated painting operations, then temperature signaling function is achieved, but additional coating steps and specifically designed tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature signaling functionVSAvoidcoating steps and tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the thermochromatic signaling function from the gripping lug structure by using an independently affixed sensor element. This segmentation allows the signaling component to be applied separately without interfering with the automated coating of the gripping lug, thus reducing overall process complexity while maintaining the temperature indication function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermochromatic pigment is extracted from the gripping lug coating process and placed into a separate sensor element that is then affixed to the gripping lug. This extraction eliminates the need for specialized thermochromatic coating steps and tools, as the sensor can be applied using conventional affixing methods after the gripping lug is coated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If thermochromatic paint is used for decorating portions, then temperature indication is achieved, but it affects the automatized painting step of the vessel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature indicationVSAvoidautomatized painting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the temperature indication function into a separate affixed sensor element, the patent allows the vessel body to be painted using fully automated processes without interruption. The thermochromatic sensor is applied independently after the main painting operation, thus maintaining productivity while achieving temperature indication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping lugs are coated with conventional paint using automated systems first, and then the thermochromatic sensor elements are affixed in a subsequent step. This preliminary action sequence allows the main painting operation to proceed without interruption, maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If each thermochromatic paint is designed for a specific temperature range, then precise temperature signaling is achieved, but versatility across different vessel types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature range precisionVSAvoidsensor interchangeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal affixing mechanism that can accommodate different thermochromatic sensor elements with varying temperature ranges. The standardized recess and affixing method allow the same gripping lug structure to work with multiple sensor types, providing versatility across different vessel applications while maintaining precise temperature indication for each specific use case

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

4Reliability

If thermochromatic paint materials are applied to vessel surfaces, then temperature sensing is achieved, but the paint wears out during cleaning and heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing functionVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermochromatic pigment is extracted from the vessel surface coating and concentrated into a separate, dedicated sensor element. This extraction allows the sensor to be positioned in a protected location within the gripping lug structure, shielding it from the mechanical wear of cleaning and the thermal stress of heating, thereby extending its service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 flexible temperature sensing without the need for specific tools or precise temperature range limitations, with sensors that can be easily replaced and compatible with conventional painting processes.

Implementation Method 1

thermochromatic paint materials which, at a set temperature, change their color, to signal a user that a set temperature has been achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermochromism: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP1726933B1Kitchen vessel having a thermochromatic sensor
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 BALLARINI PAOLO & FIGLI SPA
  • EP1726933B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1726933B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

A kitchen vessel, having a thermochromatic sensor, comprises, in one or more outward extending lugs thereof, a thermal sensing device, such as an additional (preferably inter-exchangeable) sensing element, made of a material holding thermochromatic pigments therein.