Thermal immersion circulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal immersion circulators face issues with water leakage damaging electrical components and inconvenient control mechanisms, particularly when users' hands are wet.
Innovation Solution
A thermal immersion circulator with enhanced waterproof features and an optical control panel assembly for temperature adjustment, combined with a handle assembly for versatile attachment to cooking containers, utilizing a circulator pump and heating element for continuous water circulation and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal immersion circulators use traditional waterproof arrangements, then the device can operate in water, but water may leak through and damage electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical control systems with an optical control system. The control panel uses optical sensors and infrared technology to detect and respond to user inputs, eliminating the need for electrical components that could be damaged by water leakage. This substitution of mechanical/electrical systems with optical systems resolves the contradiction by making the control mechanism inherently waterproof while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If conventional thermal immersion circulators use touch-pad control mechanism, then temperature control is achievable, but operation becomes difficult when user's hand is wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical touch-pad control system with an optical control system that uses infrared sensors. Users can interact with the device through optical signals without direct physical contact, allowing operation even when hands are wet. This substitution eliminates the limitation of touch-pad controls while maintaining precise temperature control functionality.
3Measurement precision
If thermal immersion circulators immerse electrical components in water for heating control, then temperature regulation is precise, but water contact causes component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensing components with optical sensors for temperature measurement and control. The optical system can detect temperature changes and control heating without electrical components being exposed to water, thereby maintaining precise temperature regulation while eliminating the risk of electrical component failure from water 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
The solution effectively prevents water damage to electrical components and provides a user-friendly, waterproof control system that allows for precise temperature control, enhancing safety and usability during slow cooking processes.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element provided in the receiving cavity at a lower portion of the main body
Implementation Method 2
a circulator pump device provided in the receiving cavity at a lower portion of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal immersion circulator includes a main body having a receiving cavity, a partitioning member received in the main body to divide the main body into an upper portion and a lower portion, a heating element provided in the lower portion of the main body, a circulator pump provided in the lower portion of the main body, and a handle assembly. When the lower portion of the main body is immersed in the cooking cavity, the circulator pump is adapted for sucking water into the lower portion of the main body through a water inlet for being heated by the heating element. The heated water is then guided to be discharged out of the main body through a water outlet.