Magnetic Griddle Temperature Probe for Removable Gas Cooktops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas cooktops with griddles lack user-removable temperature probes, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and increased manufacturing costs due to fixed probes and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A gas cooktop with a user-removable griddle assembly that includes a temperature sensor with a movable probe and magnetic attachment system, allowing for quick and secure installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed temperature probe is inserted into a bored hole in the griddle, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and the griddle becomes non-removable for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe is separated from the griddle body into an independent, removable component. The griddle maintains its original simple structure without drilled holes, while the probe can be attached temporarily for monitoring and removed for cleaning, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and ease of manufacture/cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature probe function is extracted from the griddle structure itself and implemented as a separate attachable device. This allows the griddle to remain simple and removable for cleaning, while the probe provides temperature monitoring when needed, eliminating the need for permanent modifications to the griddle.
2Measurement precision
If precision drilling is performed to mount a side-mounted probe, then temperature measurement is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase and wall thickness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe mounting function is segmented from the griddle manufacturing process. Instead of requiring precision drilling during griddle production, the probe attaches to the griddle surface using a separate, simpler mechanism that does not compromise griddle wall thickness or require high-precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a temporary, attachable component rather than a permanent integrated feature. This allows use of simpler, less expensive mounting methods that do not require precision drilling or thick walls, while still providing accurate temperature measurement during its service life.
3Ease of operation
If magnets are used to secure the temperature probe, then easy installation is achieved, but lateral forces during removal create high bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The probe mounting system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that dynamically adapts to insertion forces. The spring allows the probe to be easily inserted by overcoming magnetic attraction, then provides continuous contact force to maintain electrical connection without requiring excessive mounting strength or creating high bending stresses during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs the forces applied during probe installation and removal. By providing elastic compliance beforehand, the system protects the probe and mounting structure from high bending stresses that would occur with rigid magnetic-only mounting during lateral force application.
4Reliability
If the temperature probe is fixed within the griddle, then stable temperature readings are obtained, but the griddle cannot be removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring system is segmented into a removable probe component and a griddle body. The probe can be attached when temperature monitoring is needed and removed when the griddle requires cleaning, while still providing stable readings during operation through secure magnetic mounting and spring-loaded contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a temporary attachment that can be discarded (removed) when the griddle needs cleaning, then recovered (reattached) when temperature monitoring is required again. This reversible process maintains both cleaning accessibility and reliable temperature measurement capability.
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 accurate temperature monitoring and control, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the installation process while maintaining the griddle's removability for cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a probe magnet mounted to the sensor housing, the probe magnet engaging and utensil magnet to secure the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature probe positioned within the sensor housing and being movable between an extended position and a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A gas cooktop includes a gas burner for selectively generating a flow of heated air, a griddle defining a probe receptacle, a griddle magnet positioned within the probe receptacle, and a temperature sensor configured for receipt within the probe receptacle. The temperature sensor includes a sensor housing, a temperature probe positioned within the sensor housing and being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a probe magnet mounted to the sensor housing, the probe magnet engaging and utensil magnet to secure the temperature sensor such that the temperature probe engages the contact pin and is pushed into the retracted position.