Cooking Thermometer Dynamo Assembly for Battery-Free Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking thermometers lack integrated power sources to generate electrical current for operation and temperature monitoring, necessitating improvements in power generation for reliable temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
A digital cooking thermometer with a dynamo assembly that generates electrical current through rotation, activated by the movement of a temperature probe between retracted and extended positions, powering the device without the need for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a digital cooking thermometer is equipped with a dynamo assembly to generate electrical current, then the device achieves self-sufficient power without batteries, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature probe extension mechanism with the dynamo assembly by integrating the probe shaft as the rotational driver. The probe shaft connects directly to the dynamo's permanent magnet, merging the function of probe deployment with electrical power generation in a single integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature probe shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical connector for temperature sensing and the rotational driver for the dynamo assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power generation components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining self-sufficient power capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature probe is made extendable to reach different food items, then the versatility of the thermometer improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the probe extension mechanism with the power generation system by using the same rotational motion that extends the probe to drive the dynamo assembly. The probe shaft's linear extension motion is converted to rotational motion that simultaneously generates electrical current, combining two functions into one mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe shaft serves dual purposes: extending the temperature sensor to reach various food items and rotating the dynamo assembly to generate electrical power. This multi-functional design achieves versatility in temperature measurement while avoiding the need for separate extension and power generation mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the dynamo assembly is activated by probe movement, then the power generation efficiency improves, but the measurement precision may be affected by mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the probe shaft and the dynamo assembly. The rotating permanent magnet on the probe shaft induces current in the stationary coil windings without direct mechanical contact, allowing power generation while maintaining probe movement independence for accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with electromagnetic coupling. Instead of using gears or belts to transfer motion from the probe shaft to the dynamo, the system uses magnetic field interaction where the rotating permanent magnet induces electrical current in stationary coils, eliminating mechanical friction and interference with probe measurement function.
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
Provides self-sufficient power for temperature measurement and display, enabling continuous monitoring of cooking temperatures for up to 30-40 seconds without external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamo assembly disposed within the dynamo assembly housing and in communication with the printed circuit board and configured to generate electrical current upon rotation of the dynamo assembly housing
Data Source
AI summary
A digital cooking thermometer includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, and an electronic visual display in communication with the printed circuit board. The digital cooking thermometer has a dynamo assembly housing coupled with the distal end of the housing that is configured to rotate relative to the housing, and a dynamo assembly disposed within the dynamo assembly housing. The dynamo assembly is in communication with the printed circuit board and is configured to generate electrical current upon rotation of the dynamo assembly housing. A temperature probe is coupled with the dynamo assembly housing. The temperature probe includes a sensor for obtaining temperature readings. The temperature probe is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position for simultaneously rotating the dynamo assembly housing for generating the electrical current used for operating the digital cooking thermometer.