Oven Temperature Probe Bridge for Dual-Limit Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household ovens face issues with early sensor malfunctions and simultaneous measurement of upper and lower temperature limits, which can lead to cooking operation failures.

Innovation Solution

A compact temperature measurement unit is introduced, featuring a conductive probe extending into the oven cavity and a conductive bridge with multiple temperature sensors, allowing for simultaneous measurement of upper and lower temperature limits using a single assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single temperature sensor is used inside the oven cavity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to early malfunctions and inability to simultaneously measure upper and lower temperature limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidtemperature measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single temperature sensor is segmented into multiple temperature sensors (first temperature sensor for upper limit, second temperature sensor for lower limit) that are positioned at different locations on the conductive bridge element. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently measure specific temperature thresholds, improving reliability while maintaining a compact single-unit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conductive bridge element is introduced as an intermediary component between the oven cavity and the temperature sensors. The bridge element conducts heat from the cavity to multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations, enabling simultaneous measurement of upper and lower temperature limits without requiring separate sensor assemblies inside the cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are secured inside the oven cavity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to early malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measurement function is segmented across multiple sensors positioned at different locations on the conductive bridge element. This allows the system to maintain precise temperature monitoring while distributing the operational stress and failure risk across multiple components rather than relying on a single critical sensor inside the cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive bridge element serves as an intermediary that transmits thermal information from the oven cavity to the temperature sensors positioned outside the cavity. This intermediary structure allows precise temperature measurement while protecting the sensors from direct exposure to harsh cavity conditions that cause early malfunctions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If two separate sensors are arranged outside the oven cavity, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor durabilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple temperature sensors are merged onto a single conductive bridge element structure, which is then integrated as one unified temperature measurement unit. This combining approach maintains the reliability benefits of having multiple sensors positioned outside the cavity while reducing the overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise be separate sensor assemblies into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution ensures accurate and reliable temperature control within the oven, preventing failures by allowing for simultaneous measurement and control of both upper and lower temperature limits, thus maintaining optimal cooking conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive probe extending inside the hole reaching the cavity from a distal end; a conductive bridge secured to temperature sensors from proximal end of the conductive probe in a heat transferrable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4118381B1An oven with a temperature control unit
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 FEMAS METAL SAN & TIC AS
  • EP4118381B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an oven, comprising a cavity (10) defining a cooking chamber (2), and a heat insulating layer (20) provided for surrounding an outer wall (14) of the cavity (10). The oven further comprises a hole (24) provided on the heat insulating layer (20) and a temperature measurement unit (40) having a conductive probe (48) extending inside the hole (24) reaching the cavity (10) from a distal end (482); a conductive bridge (46) secured to temperature sensors (42, 44) from proximal end (484) of the conductive probe (48) in a heat transferable manner and provided between a first temperature sensor (42) and at least a second neighboring temperature sensor (44).