Temperature Controller Switching Spring Base Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature controllers for electric heating elements, such as those in hobs, require complex adjustment methods involving rotating movements and additional locking steps, like welding, to set the switching point of the switching systems, which is cumbersome and lacks precision.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controller design featuring a temperature sensor with an expansion element and an adjustment element that allows for precise adjustment of the switching spring base through a translational movement, eliminating the need for additional fixing steps and enabling a wide adjusting range by creating a 'transmission ratio' through permanent deformation of the adjustment element, allowing for high-accuracy adjustments without altering the spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the switching spring base is adjusted by rotating movements with adjusting tools or by bending with welding, then the switching point can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes complicated and requires additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (rotating movements with adjusting tools or bending with welding) with a translational movement system. The switching spring base is adjusted by simple linear translation along a guide, eliminating the need for complex rotating mechanisms or welding operations. This substitution maintains adjustment precision while dramatically simplifying the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the locking step from the adjustment process. By designing the switching spring base to be held securely but movable in a translational direction, the system allows adjustment without requiring separate locking operations. The adjustment element inherently maintains the adjusted position through its translational constraint, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or welding steps.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the switching spring base is immovably fastened in the temperature controller housing, then the structure is stable, but adjustment of the switching point becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the switching spring base's fixation state changeable. The base is held securely in normal operation to maintain stability, but can be moved translationally during adjustment. The adjustment element enables this dynamic state change, allowing the base to transition between a fixed stable state and a movable adjustable state, then return to the fixed state after adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fixation function from the adjustment function. The switching spring base is divided into a stable portion (held securely in the housing) and an adjustable portion (movable in the translational direction). This segmentation allows the base to simultaneously maintain stability for normal operation while enabling ease of adjustment when needed, through the action of the adjustment element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide adjusting range is achieved by bending the switching spring base, then more switching points can be set, but the spring force changes and precision is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bending mechanism with a translational movement mechanism. Instead of bending the switching spring base to achieve adjustment, the base is moved linearly along a guide. This substitution maintains the spring force characteristics while enabling a wide adjusting range, as the translational movement does not alter the spring's mechanical properties or precision.
4Ease of operation
If adjusting tools and rotating movements are used, then the switching point can be modified, but the adjustment process lacks precision and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rotating movements with translational movement. The adjustment element moves linearly along a guide, providing both ease of operation (simple push motion) and high precision (controlled linear displacement). This substitution eliminates the imprecision and multiple steps associated with rotating adjustments, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision simultaneously.
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 solution simplifies the adjustment process, achieving high precision and a wide adjusting range with linear movements, eliminating the need for further fixing steps, and allows for accurate temperature offset compensation, thereby enhancing the overall accuracy and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor with an expansion element which generates a movement stroke in a direction of action AT as a function of the temperature
Implementation Method 2
the adjustment element, for adjustment in an adjustment direction J, can be deformed permanently transverse to its longitudinal direction A
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controller including a housing, a temperature sensor with an expansion element which generates a movement stroke as a function of the temperature. The controller includes a switching system having a switching spring on a switching spring base, upon which there acts the expansion element. An end remote from the spring contact of the switching spring is fastened to the switching spring base, an end remote from the fastening of the switching spring of the switching spring base is held securely and immovably on the temperature controller housing, the switching spring base working together with an adjustment element. To adjust the switching point of the switching system, the switching spring base together with the switching spring can be moved relative to the expansion element and/or to the actuating element.