Temperature sensor fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature sensors in kitchen devices do not provide accurate temperature readings, leading to inadequate control of cooking processes and potential damage during cleaning due to insufficient liquid isolation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor fitting with a weld seal, PTFE seal, and silicone seal to isolate the sensor, featuring a stainless steel collar and cap for secure attachment to the heating vessel, providing thermal and liquid isolation, and ensuring accurate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with the heating plate to measure temperature, then the temperature measurement is simple, but the measurement accuracy is poor because it measures heating element temperature rather than ingredient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal cap as an intermediary component that makes thermal contact with the ingredient while the temperature sensor remains isolated from direct ingredient contact. The metal cap acts as a thermal mediator, transferring heat from the ingredient to the sensor through controlled thermal pathways, enabling accurate ingredient temperature measurement without direct sensor-ingredient contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a collar for mechanical attachment, a PTFE insulator for thermal isolation, a metal cap for thermal contact with ingredients, and the temperature sensor itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is exposed to the heating environment for accurate measurement, then the temperature reading is accurate, but the sensor is vulnerable to damage during cleaning due to insufficient liquid isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is nested within multiple protective layers: the metal cap provides the first level of protection and thermal contact, the PTFE insulator provides thermal and chemical isolation, and the silicone seal provides the final protective barrier. This nested structure allows the sensor to remain protected while still enabling accurate temperature measurement through the thermal pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone seal forms a flexible protective barrier around the sensor assembly, providing liquid isolation while accommodating thermal expansion and mechanical movements. The flexible nature of the silicone seal allows it to maintain its protective function during cleaning operations while not interfering with the thermal measurement capability.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing components are added to protect the sensor and improve measurement accuracy, then the protection and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each component in the fitting assembly serves multiple functions: the metal cap provides both thermal contact with ingredients and structural support for the sensor; the PTFE insulator provides both thermal isolation and chemical resistance; the silicone seal provides both liquid protection and mechanical flexibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protective and functional features into an integrated fitting assembly where the collar, PTFE insulator, metal cap, and silicone seal work together as a unified system. The threaded connections and interlocking features merge the components into a single replaceable unit that simplifies installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection and accurate measurement.
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 achieves high thermal and liquid sealing efficiency, providing more accurate temperature readings of ingredients and reducing the risk of damage during cleaning, with improved control over cooking processes.
Implementation Method 1
the PTFE insulator provides thermal isolation between a temperature sensor and a heating plate of the kitchen device
Implementation Method 2
the outer surface is suitable for welding to the edge of the floor to form a weld seal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A temperature sensor fitting for use with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of ingredients that are inside a heating vessel of a kitchen device, the temperature sensor fitting comprising: a collar comprising an inner threaded portion; a PTFE insulator comprising an outer threaded portion that corresponds with the inner threaded portion of the collar, and further comprises an inner threaded portion; a metal cap comprising an outer threaded portion that corresponds with the inner threaded portion of the PTFE insulator; wherein the PTFE insulator provides thermal isolation between a temperature sensor and a heating plate of the kitchen device; and wherein the collar comprises an outer surface that corresponds with an edge of a floor of a heating vessel of a kitchen device and the outer surface is suitable for welding to the edge of the floor to form a weld seal.