Mountable trays for temperature probe hubs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature probe hubs face challenges in being securely mounted to cooking devices lacking flat, ferromagnetic surfaces, as existing solutions are ineffective for devices with curved or non-ferromagnetic surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of mountable trays with a central portion having drainage openings and a probe storage tab, along with a mounting arm that can be secured to a bracket, allowing the tray to be attached to various cooking device components, including handles and flanges, ensuring stable and fluid-draining positioning of temperature probe hubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature probe hub uses a base for placement on horizontally-oriented surfaces, then it can be stably positioned on surfaces like side tables, but it cannot be mounted on cooking devices lacking such surfaces (e.g., devices with only curved or non-ferromagnetic surfaces)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting tray as an intermediary component between the temperature probe hub and the cooking device. The tray includes a mounting mechanism (suction cup, adhesive, or mechanical clamp) that can attach to various cooking device surfaces, providing a stable platform for the hub without requiring the hub itself to have direct mounting capability on diverse surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tray is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple types of cooking device surfaces (flat, curved, ferromagnetic, non-ferromagnetic) through multiple mounting mechanism options. This single tray design replaces the need for multiple specialized mounting solutions for different surface types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature probe hub uses magnetic coupling to attach to ferromagnetic surfaces, then it can be removably mounted in any orientation, but it cannot be mounted on non-ferromagnetic or curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting tray serves as an intermediary that provides the actual mounting function, while the temperature probe hub simply rests on the tray. The tray's mounting mechanism (suction cup for smooth surfaces, mechanical clamp for irregular surfaces) is selected based on the specific cooking device surface, providing strong attachment without requiring the hub to have direct magnetic or mechanical coupling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different mounting mechanisms with different attachment principles (magnetic, suction, adhesive, mechanical) depending on the surface characteristics. This allows the system to adapt its mounting parameters to match the specific surface type, ensuring adequate holding strength across various surface conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a temperature probe hub is placed directly on cooking chamber surfaces, then it is easily accessible, but the hub is exposed to temperatures that can damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional components: the mounting tray that interfaces with the cooking device (exposed to heat), and the temperature probe hub that remains separate and protected. The tray acts as a thermal barrier, allowing the hub to be positioned for accessibility while preventing direct thermal exposure through physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting tray serves as a thermal intermediary between the hot cooking chamber environment and the temperature-sensitive probe hub. It provides a mounting platform that is thermally isolated from the hub, protecting the hub's electronic components from damage while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Mountable trays for temperature probe hubs are disclosed. An example mountable tray includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a mounting arm. The central portion includes at least one drainage opening extending through the central portion. The peripheral portion is coupled to and extends upwardly from the central portion. The mounting arm is coupled to and extends upwardly from the peripheral portion. The mounting arm is configured to mount the mountable tray to a flange.