Pot support grate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pot support grates for household cooking appliances can cause damage to delicate cooking surfaces and do not provide adequate safety indicators for users regarding the temperature of the grates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating thermochromic pads made of polymeric material with dispersed pigments into the grates, which change color with temperature, providing visual feedback on the grate's temperature and allowing for sensor detection to control the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber pads are applied under the grates to prevent damage to the cooking surface, then the surface protection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function and the temperature indication function into a single integrated pad component. The pad incorporates thermochromic pigment directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate protective elements while providing both surface protection and temperature visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the cooking surface from scratches and damage, provides thermal insulation, and indicates temperature through color change. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the grate system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional protective pads are added to the grate, then surface protection is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad and temperature indication function are merged into a single component. The thermochromic pigment is incorporated during pad manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate protective elements and reducing overall manufacturing costs through component consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad performs multiple functions (protection, insulation, temperature indication) in one component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If the grate provides temperature indication to prevent scalds, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad incorporates thermochromic pigment that changes color in response to temperature changes. This provides intuitive visual feedback to users about the temperature status of the grate, indicating when it is safe to touch and when it is too hot, thereby improving user safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature indication function is integrated into the existing protective pad structure rather than being a separate system. The thermochromic pigment is incorporated into the pad material itself, providing safety indication without adding separate mechanical or electronic components.
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 enhances user safety by preventing scalds and allows for monitoring of the appliance's operation, while maintaining stability and preventing surface damage, thus improving the overall performance and safety of the cooking experience.
Implementation Method 1
The pad is of a polymeric material having a thermochromic pigment dispersed therein and causing the pad will to change in a color thereof at a first preset temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A support grate for a household cooking appliance includes a plurality of spokes with at least one portion on which a cooking article can be supported and at least one pad of elastic material for supporting the grate on a surface of the household appliance. The pad is of a polymeric material having a thermochromic pigment dispersed therein and causing the pad to change in a color thereof at a first preset temperature.