A temperature detection assembly and a temperature detection system for a cooking pot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature detection systems for cooking pots require user attention to ensure accurate measurements, as they are prone to interference from the pot's bottom plate, and often necessitate batteries or external power sources.

Innovation Solution

A temperature detection assembly with a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor and a telescopic bar, where the sensor is positioned at a predetermined distance from the bar's lower end, allowing for reliable food temperature measurement without user intervention and eliminating the need for batteries or external power, using a bowed section to support the sensor antenna and handle, and a lid with a guide tube for stable arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is placed close to the lower end of the bar to detect food temperature, then the measurement responsiveness is improved, but the sensor becomes susceptible to interference from the pot's bottom plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference from pot bottom plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating element as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the lower end of the bar. This insulating element acts as a mediator that thermally isolates the sensor from the pot bottom plate while still allowing the sensor to detect food temperature accurately. The insulating element breaks the direct thermal connection that would otherwise transmit harmful thermal interference from the pot bottom to the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is positioned away from the lower end of the bar to avoid interference from the bottom plate, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the response time to detect food temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating element serves as a thermal intermediary that enables the sensor to be positioned optimally away from the bar's lower end while maintaining fast response time. The insulating element's thermal properties are carefully selected to provide sufficient isolation from the pot bottom while having minimal thermal resistance to food temperature detection, thus resolving the time-accuracy trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a traditional temperature sensor with battery power is used, then the sensor can operate independently, but the device complexity and power source requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidpower source requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the battery-powered electronic temperature sensor with a passive SAW temperature sensor that operates without external power sources. The SAW sensor utilizes acoustic wave technology that is excited by the cooking hob's electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for batteries or power management circuits. This substitution of mechanical/electronic system with a field-based system reduces device complexity while maintaining independent operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If the bar is made rigid to maintain stable sensor positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to various pot sizes and shapes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioning accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to various pot sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a telescopic bar with adjustable length that can be extended or retracted to adapt to different pot sizes and shapes. The bar maintains rigidity at each extended position to ensure stable sensor positioning, while the telescopic mechanism provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to work with various cooking pot dimensions without compromising positioning accuracy.

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 reliable temperature measurement of food inside the cooking pot without user attention, maintaining accuracy by isolating the sensor from the pot's bottom and using SAW technology to eliminate the need for power sources, while being adaptable to various pot sizes and cooking hob types.

Implementation Method 1

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) temperature sensor (14) is arranged inside the bar (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface Acoustic Wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

The sensor antenna (16) and the handle (18) are connected to the upper end of the bar (12) via the bowed section (26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3248516B1A temperature detection assembly and a temperature detection system for a cooking pot
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 ELECTROLUX HOME PROD CORP NV
  • EP3248516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3248516B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3248516B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a temperature detection assembly (10) for a cooking pot (24). Said temperature detection assembly (10) comprises a straight and elongated bar (12), at least one SAW (surface acoustic wave) temperature sensor (10) arranged inside a lower end portion of the bar (12), a sensor antenna (16) connected to an upper end of the bar (12), and at least one handle (18) connected to the upper end of the bar (12). The SAW temperature sensor (10) or a heat conducting element connected to said SAW temperature sensor (10) is spaced from a lower end of the bar (12) by a predetermined distance, wherein a non-heat-conducting material is arranged between the SAW temperature sensor (10) or the heat conducting element, respectively, and the lower end of the bar (12). The sensor antenna (16) and the handle (18) are connected to the upper end of the bar (12) via a bowed section (26), wherein said bowed section (26) allows the supporting of the temperature detection assembly (10) by an upper edge of a sidewall of the cooking pot (24). Further, the present invention relates to a temperature detection system for a cooking pot (24), wherein said temperature detection system includes the temperature detection assembly (10) and a lid (20) for said cooking pot (24), wherein the lid (20) is provided for receiving the temperature detection assembly (10) with the straight and elongated bar (12).