Removable Oven Door Sensor Module for Pyrolytic Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooking appliances with integrated cameras are limited by the camera's temperature tolerance, restricting high-temperature operating modes like pyrolytic self-cleaning due to exposure to high oven temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A removable sensor module housed in a receptacle within the oven door, protected from extreme temperatures by a cooling air stream and reflective coatings, allowing operation below critical temperatures and safe removal during high-temperature processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is exposed to high temperatures in the baking oven, then the camera can monitor food cooking, but the maximum temperature of the baking oven is limited to the maximum temperature of the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate modules: a sensor module for food monitoring and a control unit for processing sensor data. The sensor module can be removed and detached from the control unit, allowing the sensor to be placed in the cooking compartment while the control unit remains outside. This segmentation enables the sensor to operate in high-temperature environments without exposing the entire system to such conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is extracted as a separate, removable component from the control unit. This allows the sensor to be taken into the high-temperature cooking environment independently, while the control unit that cannot withstand high temperatures remains outside the cooking compartment. The sensor module can be inserted into the cooking compartment and removed when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor module is permanently installed in the cooking compartment, then continuous food monitoring is achieved, but the sensor cannot withstand high temperatures during pyrolytic self-cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved between the cooking compartment and the outside environment. During normal operation, the sensor is positioned inside the cooking compartment for continuous monitoring. During pyrolytic self-cleaning or other high-temperature processes, the sensor module is removed and placed outside the cooking compartment, where it is not exposed to damaging temperatures. This dynamic repositioning ensures both continuous monitoring capability and sensor durability.
3Reliability
If the sensor module is made removable, then the sensor can be protected from high temperatures, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a sensor module and a control unit that can be easily separated and reconnected. This segmentation uses simple mechanical interfaces and electrical connections that allow for tool-free removal and reattachment of the sensor module. The design minimizes the complexity of the removable mechanism by using straightforward connection methods rather than complex locking or fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different sensor modules. The electrical and mechanical connections are standardized to allow the sensor module to be easily attached and detached without requiring complex adaptation mechanisms. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the overall device complexity by using standardized, versatile connection methods.
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 safe operation of cooking appliances in all modes, including pyrolytic self-cleaning, while protecting the sensor module from heat and ensuring accurate food monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A cooking appliance shall be understood in particular as a baking oven, a microwave appliance, or a steamer... the door has a receptacle, from which the sensor module is reversibly removable... operation of the cooking appliance with removed sensor module at cooking compartment temperatures lying above the critical temperatures of the sensor module
Implementation Method 2
protected from extreme temperatures by a cooling air stream and reflective coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking appliance, in particular a baking oven, includes a cooking compartment for cooking food to be cooked, and a door for closing the cooking compartment in an operating position, with the door having a receptacle. Arranged in the door is a sensor module for identifying a property of the food to be cooked when the door assumes the operating position. The sensor module is receivable in the receptacle and reversibly removable from the receptacle.