Retractable Cooktop Temperature Sensor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors in cooking appliances are prone to damage, collect spills, and are unsightly due to their protruding design, while alternative sensors like infrared or wireless smart pans are expensive and prone to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A retractable temperature sensor assembly is integrated into the cooktop panel, with a temperature sensor that slides between an extended and retracted position, using a drive member like an electromagnet to move between these positions, ensuring the sensor is flush with the surface when not in use and only extends to contact the cooking utensil for measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spring-loaded temperature sensors are used to measure cooking utensil temperature, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but the sensors protrude above the cooking surface making them unsightly and prone to damage from lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The sensor can be retracted into the cooktop surface when not in use and extended only when needed for measurement, eliminating the constant vulnerability of protruding sensors to lateral forces and damage from cooking utensils.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is nested within a cavity in the cooktop surface, similar to a doll within a doll. The sensor housing is recessed into the cooktop, and the sensor itself can be retracted into this housing, allowing the sensor to be contained within the cooktop structure rather than protruding from it.
2Measurement precision
If protruding temperature sensors are used for temperature measurement, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but spills and cooking residue collect on the protruding sensor surface
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor dynamically retracts into the flush surface when not measuring, eliminating the protruding surface that would otherwise collect spills and residue. The sensor is only exposed when actively needed for temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful protruding surface is extracted or removed from the system when not in use. By retracting the sensor into the flush surface, the design eliminates the problematic feature (protrusion) that causes spill collection, while retaining the useful function (temperature measurement) when needed.
3Reliability
If infrared sensors or wireless smart pans are used for temperature measurement, then sensor damage and spill collection are avoided, but the cost increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive infrared sensors or wireless smart pan systems with a simple mechanical contact sensor that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the cooktop. The mechanical retraction mechanism provides protection without requiring complex optical or wireless systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive contact temperature sensor rather than expensive infrared or wireless technology. The sensor is a basic thermocouple or thermistor that can be easily replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains measurement accuracy.
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 design minimizes the risk of sensor damage, prevents spill collection, maintains a clean and aesthetically pleasing surface, and provides accurate temperature monitoring while reducing costs compared to alternative sensor technologies.
Implementation Method 1
using a drive member like an electromagnet to move between these positions
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensor slidably mounted within the aperture of the cooktop panel and being movable between an extended position and a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A cooktop appliance includes a cooktop panel defining a cooktop surface and an aperture defined through the cooktop surface. A heating element is positioned below the cooktop panel for selectively heating a cooking utensil placed on the cooktop surface and a temperature sensing assembly is configured for monitoring the temperature of the cooking utensil, e.g., to facilitate a closed loop cooking process. The temperature sensing assembly includes a temperature sensor slidably mounted within the aperture of the cooktop panel and a drive member operably coupled to the temperature sensor for selectively moving the temperature sensor between the extended position and the retracted position.