Sol-Gel Coating Comprising A Temperature Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal indicators on cookware are difficult to read due to similar chromatic values at room temperature, leading to confusion and poor visibility of temperature changes, making it hard for users to assess the temperature accurately, especially for those without training.
Innovation Solution
A sol-gel coating on household articles incorporating a thermochromic pigment composition of (Bi1-xAx)(V1-yMy)O4 type pigment and a temperature reference pigment composition, which changes color visibly and reversibly over a targeted temperature range, providing clear and contrasting color changes for improved temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing thermal indicators use thermosensitive components with similar chromatic values at room temperature, then the temperature indicator can be integrated into the non-stick coating, but the visibility and readability of temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes principle by using a thermosensitive composition containing pigment particles that change color in response to temperature variations. The composition is formulated to exhibit distinct color changes at different temperatures, making the temperature indicator clearly visible and readable against the non-stick coating background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality principle by incorporating the thermosensitive composition specifically in certain areas of the non-stick coating where temperature indication is needed, while maintaining the non-stick properties in other areas. This allows the temperature indicator to be integrated into the coating without compromising the overall non-stick functionality.
2Measurement precision
If a thermostable control is added to assess color change, then temperature control capability is improved, but the integration complexity increases and clear visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging principle by combining the thermosensitive composition and thermostable control elements into a single integrated thermal indicator system within the non-stick coating. This unified approach allows temperature assessment through color comparison without requiring separate, complex indicator mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality principle by designing the thermal indicator to serve multiple functions: indicating temperature through color change, providing a reference for temperature assessment, and maintaining compatibility with the non-stick coating. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while improving measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patterns with different thermochromic pigments are used, then temperature range coverage is improved, but color confusion increases and readability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes principle by carefully selecting thermosensitive pigments with distinct color transition characteristics that cover different temperature ranges. The composition is formulated so that color changes occur at specific temperatures, allowing users to determine temperature by observing which color change is present, thereby avoiding confusion while maintaining broad temperature coverage.
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
The sol-gel coating offers enhanced visibility and precise temperature control, ensuring safer cooking practices, longer cookware lifespan, and healthier food preparation by clearly indicating optimal cooking temperatures through distinct color changes, even for users without technical expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a (Bi1-xAx)(V1-yMy)O4 type pigment
Implementation Method 2
A sol-gel coating of the surface of a household article comprising at least two decorations (a) and (b) arranged between or in the coats of said coating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sol-gel coating of the surface of a household article comprising at least two decorations (a) and (b) arranged between or in its layers, (a) being a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a (Bi1-xAx)(V1-yMy)O4-type pigment and optionally additives, where: —x is equal to 0 or x is from 0.001 to 0.999; —y is equal to 0 or y is from 0.001 to 0.999; —A and M are selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a poor metal, a metalloid or a lanthanide; —A and M are different from each other; (b) being a decoration comprising a temperature-indicating pigment composition.