Oven Sensor Device with Dedicated Fan Cooling to Prevent Overheating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor elements in oven sensor devices overheat due to high temperatures during baking and self-cleaning processes, leading to the need for shutdowns and inadequate cooling solutions in existing oven designs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a tubular sensor housing and a dedicated sensor fan that directs cooling air directly onto the sensor element, using a separate air intake and outlet system to maintain low temperatures and enhance cooling efficiency, even at high temperatures up to 500°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor device is positioned close to the cooking chamber to monitor temperature effectively, then the sensor element can detect temperature changes more accurately, but the sensor element overheats and must be switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple components: sensor element, sensor housing, viewing window, and cooling air pockets. This segmentation allows the sensor element to be isolated from direct heat exposure while maintaining its monitoring function through the viewing window.
Solution Approach 2:
A viewing window acts as an intermediary between the sensor element and the cooking chamber, allowing thermal radiation to pass through while physically separating the sensor element from the high-temperature environment. Cooling air pockets serve as another intermediary layer to provide thermal insulation.
2Reliability
If spaced discs are arranged in a row between the sensor element and the oven to create air pockets for cooling, then the sensor element is protected from overheating, but the sensor assembly becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and viewing window are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate cooling discs. The housing itself creates the air pocket structure, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates cooling air pockets, and houses the viewing window. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate cooling components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor device uses a simple housing structure without integrated cooling, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the sensor element cannot be effectively cooled during high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design changes the thermal parameters by creating air pockets that alter heat transfer characteristics. This passive structural modification provides cooling functionality without adding complex active cooling systems.
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 effectively prevents overheating of sensor elements, ensuring continuous operation during high-temperature processes by providing targeted and efficient cooling, thereby extending the lifespan and reliability of the sensor device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor fan (20) configured to supply the sensor device (2) with cooling air
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device (2) has at least one viewing window (8, 9, 10) arranged between the sensor element (7) and the cooking chamber (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An oven (1) has an oven compartment (3) which surrounds a cooking chamber (4), an outer housing (28), a sensor device (2) which is directed into the cooking chamber and which is arranged in an interior space between the oven compartment (3) and the outer housing, and at least one sensor fan (20) for aerating the sensor device with cooling air (S1), wherein the sensor device has a tubular sensor housing (17) which is open at an end side and in which at least one sensor element (7) is accommodated and the front end side of which is directed toward the cooking chamber, the sensor device has at least one transparent screen (8-10) arranged between the sensor element and the cooking chamber, a rear end side (21) of the sensor housing serves as an air inlet opening for cooling air (S1), a pressure side of the sensor fan is connected to the rear end side, the sensor housing has a lateral air outlet opening (22) for the cooling air, and a suction side of the sensor fan is connected to a chamber (A) which is separated from the chamber of the sensor device. The oven is in particular an oven with pyrolysis capability.