Removable Base Sensor Module for Accurate Cooking Vessel Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled cooking systems face challenges with high equipment costs, measurement inaccuracies due to sensor placement issues, and limited flexibility when using different cooking vessels, as well as increased effort in preparing and retrofitting vessels for automatic cooking.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronics module with a removable and articulated base sensor that can be attached to various cooking vessels, allowing for accurate temperature measurement at the bottom and optionally the wall, using wireless communication for heat output control, and featuring a design that is cost-effective and easy to clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are permanently installed in the cooking vessel, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate components: a removable sensor element that can be detached from the cooking vessel. This segmentation allows the sensor to be easily installed and removed without permanently modifying the vessel structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is designed as a simple, replaceable component rather than a permanent installation. This approach reduces the complexity of the overall system and allows for easy replacement or upgrading of sensors without replacing the entire cooking vessel or control system
2Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged to measure bottom temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cleaning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sensor element from the cooking vessel body, the sensor can be easily removed before cleaning. This eliminates the problem of sensors being trapped in hard-to-reach areas, making the cooking vessel easy to clean while maintaining accurate bottom temperature measurement capability when the sensor is installed
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for different positions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is designed with universal applicability to measure temperature at different positions (bottom, wall, or other locations) depending on where it is placed. This multi-functional design allows a single sensor type to serve multiple measurement purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized sensors and thereby reducing device complexity
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 provides high-quality temperature monitoring and control across various cooking vessels, reducing costs and effort, enhancing cooking accuracy, and expanding the application of automated cooking systems to different types and quantities of food, while ensuring the quality and safety of the cooking process.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor arranged at a distance from the cooking pot with a focusing device, which is aimed at a ring-shaped, circumferential radiating surface on the cooking pot and measures the temperature on the basis of the radiated electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
A further sensor is arranged underneath the hotplate, which is in thermally conductive contact with the underside of the hotplate
Data Source
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AI summary
A description is given of an electronic module (1) for temperature-monitored preparation of food in a cooking vessel (6), having a base sensor (3) for sensing the temperature of the base (7) of a cooking vessel (6), and having a communications device (15) for signal transmission of the sensed temperature to a means of controlling or regulating the heating capacity of the cooking point for heating the cooking vessel (6). The base sensor (3) has a sensor element (16), which can be guided into, and out of, a mount (9) in the base (7) of the cooking vessel and is secured in an articulated manner on a housing of the electronic module (1), and said base sensor is connected to the communications device (15).