Spring-Loaded Probe Jack Cover for Hands-Free Thermometer Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen appliance temperature probe systems require manual handling of a flip cover that can be hot, risking burns and forgetting to return it to the closed position, especially after removing the thermometer.

Innovation Solution

A jack receiver with a pivotable cover member biased by a torsion spring that automatically returns to the closed position after removing the thermometer, allowing for hands-free insertion and ensuring the cover is always closed without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a manual flip cover is used, then the jack receiver is protected, but the user has to remember to return the cover to the closed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoiduser memory burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic return mechanism makes the system self-servicing, where the cover member autonomously returns to the closed position without requiring the user to remember or manually close it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member provides continuous mechanical feedback that maintains the cover in the closed position and automatically restores it after opening, creating a self-correcting system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is manually operated, then protection is provided, but additional user intervention is required after thermometer removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidautomatic return function

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member with integrated biasing member serves itself by automatically returning to the closed position, eliminating the need for additional user intervention after thermometer removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents burns from hot surfaces and ensures the cover is always closed, enhancing user safety and convenience by automating the return of the cover to its original position.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member exerts a biasing force onto the cover member to bias the cover member into a first position covering the bracket aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9474413B2Kitchen appliance with an improved temperature probe jack receiver cover

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS INC

AI summary

A jack receiver for a kitchen cooking appliance includes a bracket mounted to the appliance. The bracket includes an aperture for receiving a thermometer therethrough. A jack socket for receiving and engaging a portion of the thermometer therein projects from the bracket aperture to an opposing side of the chamber's wall from the jack receiver, and is in operative communication with the appliance's controller. A cover is pivotably attached to the bracket and a biasing member exerts a biasing force onto the cover to bias the cover into a position covering the bracket aperture. The cover is pivotable against the biasing force of the biasing member, uncovering the bracket aperture, for insertion of the thermometer. Removal of the thermometer from the jack receiver permits automatic pivotable return of the cover to the covering position under the biasing force of the biasing member.