Thermoelectric Pan Temperature Indicator Without Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food cooking containers with temperature indicators face issues such as loss of effectiveness due to repeated cleaning, battery safety concerns, increased costs, and impermeabilization when exposed to dishwasher conditions, as well as the need for special handle shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A food cooking container with an electronic temperature monitoring device that harnesses thermal energy to power a piezoelectric buzzer or LEDs, using a thermoelectric harvesting system to indicate preset safety temperature limits, which is removable and can be easily fitted into various handle shapes without requiring batteries or complex waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermochromatic pigments are applied to indicate temperature, then temperature indication is provided, but the indicator loses effectiveness over time due to repeated vessel cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature indication effectivenessVSAvoidindicator durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermochromatic pigments (chemical indicator) with an electronic temperature monitoring device that uses a thermocouple and electronic circuitry to detect and display temperature, eliminating the degradation issue of chemical pigments during cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic monitoring device is powered by thermoelectric generators that convert the temperature difference between the hot container and the metal dissipation mass directly into electrical energy, making the device self-powered without external batteries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If battery powered electronic indicator devices are used, then temperature indication is provided, but safety risks arise due to battery explosion danger when exposed to heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature indicationVSAvoidbattery explosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses thermoelectric generators to convert thermal energy from the temperature difference between the hot container and metal dissipation mass into electrical energy, eliminating the need for batteries and their associated safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful high temperature exposure that could cause battery explosion into a beneficial resource by using the temperature difference to generate electrical energy through thermoelectric conversion, powering the indicator safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If temperature indicator devices are permanently incorporated into handles, then temperature monitoring is provided, but the product cost increases due to special handle shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature monitoring system into a separate removable module that can be attached to standard handles without requiring special handle shapes or sizes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator device is designed as a universal component that can be used with standard cooking container handles through a generic attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for custom handle designs for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a cost-effective, safe, and durable temperature monitoring system that is resistant to dishwasher conditions and can be used across different cooking containers, eliminating the need for special handle shapes and reducing maintenance and disposal costs.

Implementation Method 1

converting thermal energy into electrical energy by the parasitic exploitation of temperature differences generated between the hot container and a metal dissipation mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

activating a device in the form of a piezoelectric buzzer or LEDs, to indicate preset safety temperature limits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

activating a device in the form of a piezoelectric buzzer or LEDs, to indicate preset safety temperature limits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8783947B2Food cooking container provided with a thermal indicator

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 BALLARINI PAOLO & FIGLI SPA

AI summary

A food cooking container provided with an electronic temperature monitoring device, the electronic temperature monitoring device being powered by converting thermal energy into electrical energy by the parasitic exploitation of temperature differences generated between the hot container and a heat dissipating metal mass, and activates a device in the form of a piezoelectric buzzer or LEDs, to indicate pre-set safety temperature limits. The electronic temperature monitoring device includes an electronic thermoelectric harvesting sensor for converting thermal energy into electrical energy via its electronic thermoelectric harvesting system.