Pot Wall Heating Element Fill-Level Detection for Overfill Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances with pots for food processing lack a reliable and simple method to determine the fill level of food without overfilling, which can lead to food escape during processing.
Innovation Solution
A heating element integrated into the pot wall monitors its heating behavior to generate a heating signal, which is used by a fill level testing device to check if the food level is above or below the maximum permissible height, employing a thermocouple or electrical resistance meter for temperature recording and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fill level determination device is provided to detect food level in the pot, then overfilling prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves dual purposes: it heats the food during cooking and simultaneously acts as a temperature sensor for fill level detection. By monitoring the heating behavior and temperature changes of this existing component, the system determines food presence and fill level without requiring a separate dedicated sensor, thus preventing overfilling while avoiding additional device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element monitors its own heating behavior and temperature changes to detect fill level. The system uses the inherent thermal response of the heating element when food is present versus absent, allowing the component to serve itself as both heater and sensor, eliminating the need for separate fill level detection hardware
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors or complex detection devices are integrated into the pot wall, then fill level detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cleaning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element performs multiple functions including heating, temperature sensing, and fill level detection. By utilizing the thermal properties and electrical characteristics of this existing component, the system achieves accurate fill level measurement without integrating separate ultrasonic sensors or complex detection devices, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or ultrasonic detection systems with an electrical/thermal-based detection method. By monitoring the electrical resistance changes and heating behavior of the heating element, the system achieves fill level detection without mechanical sensors, simplifying both manufacturing and maintaining measurement accuracy
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors protrude through openings in the pot wall for detection, then detection capability is improved, but cleaning ease deteriorates due to rough surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element embedded in the pot wall serves as both a heating component and a fill level sensor. Since it is integrated into the wall structure rather than protruding, it maintains a smooth surface that is easy to clean while still providing effective detection capability through its thermal and electrical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element acts as an intermediary between the pot wall and the detection function. Instead of creating openings or protrusions in the pot wall for sensors, the heating element itself mediates the detection process through its thermal response to food presence, preserving the smooth surface and cleaning ease
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 allows for reliable and hygienic fill level detection, preventing overfilling and ensuring safe operation of the appliance, with the added advantage of easy cleaning due to a smooth pot surface.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (15) arranged on the wall (12) of the pot (2)
Implementation Method 2
a thermocouple and/or an electrical resistance meter is provided as the heating monitoring device
Implementation Method 3
An electrical resistance meter can detect the temperature of the heating element based on the principle that the electrical resistance of the heating element increases as the temperature of the heating element increases
Implementation Method 4
the heating of the heating element depends on the extent to which it can give off heat to a food placed in the pot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a kitchen appliance (1) provided with an electrical supply. with a pot (2) for receiving foodstuffs (3) to be processed with the electrical kitchen appliance (1). In order to achieve an advantageous determination of the filling level, a heating element (15) is arranged on the wall (12) of the pot (2), a heating monitoring device (14) is provided with which the heating behavior of the heating element (15) can be monitored and from which a heating signal dependent on the heating behavior of the heating element (15) can be output, and a level checking device (16) is provided, to which the heating signal can be fed and from which, depending on the heating signal, a level check of a food (3) placed in the pot (2) can be carried out with regard to a level above or below a maximum permissible level.