Range hood with alarm device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen range safety devices have slow response times, are often unsuitable for gas stoves, and lack a feature to detect grease filter dirtiness, leading to increased fire risks and high costs, particularly affecting elderly users, children, and pets.
Innovation Solution
A range hood alarm device with two temperature sensors that measure internal and external temperatures, identifying rapid changes in temperature differences to trigger alarms for left-on range plates and excessively dirty grease filters, allowing for rapid identification and alerting without overheating, and is designed for both gas and electric ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior known tracking and alarm devices are used that set off an alarm when range temperature rises to a sufficient height, then fire safety is improved, but the response time is excessively long allowing users to leave the site before alarm
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is divided into two independent temperature sensors with different thermal characteristics - one sensor contacts radiation heat directly for rapid response, while the other provides a reference measurement, allowing the system to detect temperature changes at multiple stages
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection by monitoring temperature differences before the range reaches dangerous overheating levels, enabling early warning and preventive action before critical temperature thresholds are exceeded
2Extent of automation
If timers that adjust themselves according to range output are used, then automatic power disconnection is achieved, but they disconnect power supplies too quickly when large amount of food is being prepared
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperature differences between two sensors and uses this feedback to determine when to activate the alarm, dynamically adjusting the monitoring based on actual thermal conditions rather than fixed time intervals or output levels
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm system transitions from static timing mechanisms to dynamic temperature-based detection, allowing the system to adapt its response based on real-time thermal conditions and distinguish between normal cooking variations and dangerous situations
3Measurement precision
If infrared detector and output measuring are used, then detection capability is improved, but the solution is only suitable for electric ranges and not gas stoves
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor-based detection system is universally applicable to both gas and electric ranges, as it detects thermal radiation and heat conduction which are common to both cooking types, eliminating the need for range-specific detection mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If commercially available tracking devices with skilled fitter installation are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but purchase price is doubled and monitoring device cost exceeds new kitchen range price
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm device is designed for self-installation by the end user without requiring skilled fitters, using simple mounting methods that any consumer can perform, thereby eliminating professional installation costs and making the device economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cost-effective temperature sensors and simple electronics that can be manufactured at low cost, making the monitoring device affordable and ensuring that the total cost remains below the price of a new kitchen range
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 provides quick and reliable alerts, preventing potential fires by ensuring timely intervention and reducing installation and maintenance costs, making it more affordable and effective than prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
The alarm device comprises at least one temperature sensor and identification electronics, which identifies a sensor message and on that basis effects the activation of an alarm
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an alarm device (1, 11), which identifies if the plate of a gas or electric range is on at idle or the grease filter of a range hood is excessively dirty. The device comprises at least one temperature sensor (6, 9) and identification electronics (4), which identifies a sensor message and on that basis effects the activation of an alarm or a control output. The identification electronics (4) identifies a rate of change in the temperature of the sensor or sensors (6, 9) and/or a temperature difference between the sensors (6, 9) and/or a rate of change in the temperature difference between the sensors (6, 9) and effects the activation of an alarm (5) or a control output (2) as the rate of change in temperature and/or the temperature difference and/or the rate of change in a temperature difference exceeds a given value.