Sensor holding tray fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooktops, including induction cooktops, face challenges in effectively managing temperature across various components to prevent damage and oil burns during frying, requiring efficient temperature monitoring and management without altering the structural components.
Innovation Solution
A sensor holder apparatus and method for positioning temperature sensors in cooktops, allowing for interchangeable configurations to maintain thermally conductive contact with the cooking surface, accommodating different sensor topographies and supporting both axial and probe-type sensors within a single support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor configurations are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is designed with multiple interior passages that can accommodate different sensor configurations (axial sensors extending through the top surface, probe-type sensors extending through side surfaces, and looped sensors). This universal design allows a single support structure to perform multiple functions and support various sensor types without requiring separate specialized supports for each sensor configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple interior passages, each capable of receiving different sensor configurations. The passages are segmented to allow independent routing of sensors through different paths (top surface, side surfaces, looped configurations), enabling flexible sensor placement while maintaining a unified support structure.
2Reliability
If temperature monitoring is enhanced, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical support for the sensor, creates thermal conductive pathways to the cooking surface, and enables temperature monitoring. By merging the support structure with the thermal conduction function (through integrally formed passages), the design enhances reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support acts as an intermediary component between the sensor and the cooking surface. It provides a thermal conductive pathway that connects the sensor to the cooking surface, enabling accurate temperature monitoring while simplifying the overall assembly process compared to direct sensor-to-surface contact.
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 efficient temperature monitoring and management across cooktop components, preventing over-temperature events and maintaining consistent oil temperatures during frying without altering the cooktop's structural components, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
position the sensor in a first configuration or a second configuration in conductive connection with a panel forming a cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor holder apparatus for a cooktop comprises a body forming an exterior profile configured to extend through a portion of a housing of the cooktop and position a sensor proximate to an interior surface of a panel forming a cooking surface. A first interior passage is formed through the body and configured to receive the sensor in a first configuration or type. At least one second interior passage is configured to receive the sensor in a second configuration or type. The sensor holder is configured to retain and position the sensor in the first configuration or the second configuration in conductive connection with a panel forming a cooking surface of the cooktop.