Oven Water Level Detection Assembly With Anti-Fouling Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water level detection assemblies in steam generation systems are prone to false readings due to particle accumulation, are complex and costly to manufacture, and can be affected by manufacturing tolerances, leading to unreliable operation and potential over-heating issues.
Innovation Solution
A detection assembly with a coupling body that includes a cavity to prevent particle accumulation and a shielding element to protect the detection element from water squirts, ensuring reliable water level detection and easy, cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection element is inserted through a vessel opening to detect water level, then water level detection function is achieved, but particle accumulation on the detection element causes false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor (particles) is extracted from the detection path by using a shielding element that prevents particles from reaching the detection element, thereby eliminating the source of measurement error while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
A shielding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the water squirts/particles and the detection element. This mediator blocks the harmful particles from accumulating on the detection element while allowing the detection function to operate normally
2Reliability
If a complex detection assembly structure is used to improve detection reliability, then detection accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element and detection element are merged into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining both protection and detection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The detection assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: the shielding element provides both mechanical protection and particle filtering, while the detection element performs both water level detection and electrical circuit completion, reducing the need for separate specialized components
3Measurement precision
If the detection element is exposed to water squirts during operation, then water level detection is enabled, but electrical coupling occurs causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful electrical coupling is extracted or prevented by introducing the shielding element that blocks water squirts from reaching the detection element, thereby eliminating the false electrical signals while preserving legitimate water level detection 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 prevents undesired electrical coupling and ensures accurate water level detection, while also protecting the detection element from operational agents, enhancing the reliability and simplicity of the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
When the water level inside the vessel is above the threshold level, the water electrically connects the rod to the vessel (and hence to the plug), and thus the rod and the conductive plug are essentially at the same electric potential.
Implementation Method 2
a cavity is defined between the detection element and walls of said second hole portion
Implementation Method 3
a shielding element made of an electrically insulating material adapted to prevent water squirts from reaching said detection element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A cooking oven (100) is proposed. The cooking oven (100) comprises an operative chamber (115;515), and a detection assembly (200;300;400;500) for detecting an operative parameter within the operative chamber (115;515) of the cooking oven (100). The detection assembly (200;300;400;500) comprises a detection element (205;305;505) adapted to be at least partially inserted into said operative chamber (115;515) for detecting the operative parameter, and a coupling body (210;310;410;510) for supporting the detection element (205;305;505) and for mechanically coupling the detection assembly (200;300;400;500) to the operative chamber (115;515). Said coupling body (210;310;410;510) comprises a hole (215;315;515) into which the detection element (205;305;505) is fitted. Said hole (215;315;515) comprises a first hole portion (2151;3151;5151) having a first size substantially matching the size of the detection element (205;305;505) and a second hole portion (2152;3152;5152) having a second size greater than the first size, so that, when the detection element (205;305;505) is fitted into said hole (215;315;515), a cavity (230;330;530) is defined between the detection element (205;305;505) and walls of said second hole portion (2152;3152;5152).