Range Cooktop Weight Sensing With Liquid Overflow Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stoves with integrated hob and oven units face challenges in preventing liquid overflow and contamination, and existing weight sensor systems are either ineffective or incompatible with sealed connections.
Innovation Solution
A stove design featuring a removable hob unit with discrete cooking zones and a weight sensor at support points, allowing for precise weight measurement while preventing liquid from penetrating into the oven unit, with a circumferential elevation and channel-like edge to collect and direct liquids away from the oven.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealed connection is provided between the hob unit and the oven unit to prevent liquid penetration, then liquid containment is improved, but the weighing function is impaired or made impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary channel structure between the hob unit and oven unit. This channel acts as a mediator that allows liquid to be directed away from the oven unit while still permitting the weight sensor to function. The channel receives liquid from the hob unit's edge and guides it to a discharge location on the oven unit's front, creating a controlled liquid management system that doesn't interfere with the weighing function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hob unit is rigidly connected to the oven unit, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to move relative to each other in the vertical direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stove into two separable units: the hob unit and the oven unit. The hob unit is supported by support points that allow it to rest on the oven unit while maintaining the ability to be removed. This segmentation enables the hob unit to be detached for cleaning or replacement while the oven unit remains in place, providing both stability during use and adaptability for maintenance.
3Measurement precision
If weight sensors are provided at support points to measure hob unit weight load, then cooking process monitoring is improved, but liquid contamination of the sensor is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure serves as an intermediary that intercepts liquid before it can reach the weight sensor. The channel receives liquid at the hob unit's edge and transports it to a discharge location on the oven unit's front, creating a protective barrier that prevents liquid contamination of the weight sensor while allowing the sensor to remain positioned at the support points for accurate measurement.
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 design effectively reduces contamination by containing liquids and allowing for precise monitoring of cooking processes without impairing the weighing function, enhancing user safety and operational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A weight sensor is provided at at least one support point. This weight sensor is designed to measure the weight load of the hob unit resting on the oven unit.
Implementation Method 2
The elevation prevents liquid that flows down the edge of the hob from penetrating too far between the hob unit and the oven unit, in particular not into the interior of the oven unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A range includes an oven unit, upon which a cooktop unit rests on defined support points and is removable. The cooktop unit has a surrounding edge. The oven unit has an upper oven area and a surrounding edge within this upper oven area. Between the edge of the cooktop and a central area of the upper oven area, the oven unit features a continuous upward ridge. Weight sensors are provided at the support points to measure the weight load of the cooktop unit resting on the oven unit.