Rotatable Latch Temperature Sensing for Liquid Heating Appliances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical devices with heating functions for liquids lack sensitive temperature measurement capabilities due to fixedly located temperature sensors, which are not adaptable to different applications, such as boiling milk, where vapor temperature and liquid overflow need precise monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An electrical device with a latch mechanism that allows a sensing part connected to a driving part to rotate, enabling a temperature sensing means to move within the cooking chamber for sensitive temperature measurement, using a spring for return motion and an energy transferring means for efficient energy delivery, allowing for adjustable sensor placement and precise temperature data interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed structure temperature sensor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement sensitivityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed temperature sensor into a movable one through a latch mechanism. The sensing part can rotate between a retracted position and a sensing position, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different measurement needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high measurement sensitivity when needed while maintaining structural simplicity when the sensor is retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the movable sensing part within the latch mechanism housing. The sensing part is nested inside the housing structure and can be deployed outward when measurement is required, then retracted back into the housing. This approach maintains a compact overall structure while enabling the sensor to reach positions for sensitive temperature measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed location temperature sensor is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different applications is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The movable latch mechanism allows the temperature sensor to be dynamically positioned for different applications. The sensing part can be rotated to different angles and positions to suit various measurement requirements, such as monitoring vapor temperature or liquid overflow at different locations, thereby enhancing application adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single sensor system that can serve multiple functions through its movable capability. The same temperature sensor can be used for different applications (boiling water, heating milk, preparing beverages) by simply repositioning it via the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple fixed sensors for different purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the temperature sensor is fixed, then the device structure is stable, but the temperature measurement efficiency varies in different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement efficiencyVSAvoidsensor position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism provides a stable yet movable platform for the temperature sensor. When the sensing part is positioned for measurement, the latch holds it firmly in place, ensuring measurement stability. The mechanism can be reliably actuated to move between positions, combining operational efficiency with positional stability during measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables sensitive temperature measurement of liquids during heating, allowing for precise control of the cooking process, preventing overflow and ensuring efficient energy use, with the ability to adapt to various liquid heating applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring (6) which enables the latch (4) to return to a predefined position once an external force acting on the latch (4) is removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The measurement of the temperature is generally realized by temperature sensors called thermistors, the electrical resistance of which change according to the temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermistor effect: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP3621497B1An electrical device having heating function
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 ARZUM ELEKTRIKLI ALETLERI SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3621497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3621497B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3621497B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrical device having function especially for heating liquids, and where the temperature measurement is done sensitively. The inventive electrical device (1) is characterized by at least one latch (4) suitable to be rotated such that it enters at least partially inside an inner volume of a cooking chamber as a result of a force exerted on it, and at least one sensing means (7) which is present at the sensing part (41) of the latch (4).