WO2024134365A1

WO2024134365A1 - A thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensils

Info

Publication number: WO2024134365A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/062578
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish BAJPAI
Original assignee: Bajpai Manish
Priority date: 2022-12-19
Filing date: 2023-12-13
Publication date: 2024-06-27

Abstract

Present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric stirrer 100 for cooking utensil. The thermoelectric stirrer 100 comprising at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 and a stirrer assembly. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 configured to receive the heat energy from a source of heat 204. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 converts the heat energy into an electric energy. The stirrer assembly comprises an adjustable handle 102, a motor 112 and a stirrer 104. The motor 112 receives the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116. The motor 112 is configured to rotate the stirrer 104.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A THERMOELECTRIC STIRRER FOR COOKING UTENSILS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY

The present application claims priority from the Indian provisional patent application, having application number 202221073462, filed on 19 December 2022, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention, in general, relates to a stirring apparatus, and more particularly, relates to a thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is frequently essential to stir or mix the contents of a cooking utensil for a long time while cooking in order to get the desired level of mixing or to improve the taste of meals. In order to prevent sticking, burning, or lumpiness in the meals, many common meals like dal, soups, sauces, and cereal need to be stirred very constantly during cooking. Usually, a dedicated person is required mostly in langars, marriages, hotels, or even day to day cooking such as kheer, sugar syrup for Gulab jamuns, jalebi, frying items such as samosas and other dishes for stirring. The stirring is also required in preparation of jams, jelly, and froth making.

Using a spoon or whisk to stir by hand needs continuous focus and can be taxing. There are numerous mechanical and electrical stirrer available to reduce the required effort. However, mechanical stirrer still requires manual operation, and although they are an improvement over hand stirring, continuous use of such machines is exhausting. Further, the electrical stirrer is powered by the mains. It might not be practical or safe to have to plug the stirrer into the mains close to the cooker or stove if a cook wants to stir the contents of a cooking pot while cooking. Further, battery operated electrical stirrer requires frequent charging of battery. Additionally, despite requiring little effort from the cook, such stirrer must be held in place in the pot to guarantee even mixing or stirring manually. Furthermore, many conventional stirrer devices fixed to the dedicated utensil. The conventional food stirrer cannot be used for any other utensil of different size and shape. Thus, there are numerous issues associated with aforementioned conventional stirrer devices such as:

• Consume power from main electric circuit. It is risky to use such stirrer while cooking for stirring meals by holding them manually.

• Manually holding of stirrer while stirring.

• If a stirrer is attached to the dedicated cooking utensil, it cannot be used with another utensil of the different size and shape.

• Requires continuous human attention.

Thus, there exists a need for a thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensils that can alleviate the problems associated with the conventional stirrer devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce the concepts related to a thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensils, the concepts are further described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor it is intended to use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.

In one embodiment a seat for thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensils is disclosed. The thermoelectric stirrer comprising at least one thermoelectric power generator and a stirrer assembly. The at least one thermoelectric power generator is configured to receive the heat energy from a source of heat. The at least one thermoelectric power generator converts the heat energy into an electric energy. The stirrer assembly comprises an adjustable handle, a motor and a stirrer. The motor receives the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator. The motor is configured to rotate the stirrer. Furthermore, the stirrer is configured to stir the meals in the utensil while cooking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a thermoelectric stirrer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the thermoelectric stirrer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the thermoelectric stirrer with a cooking utensil and a source of heat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figures 4 illustrate a perspective view of the thermoelectric stirrer with the cooking utensils and the source of heat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figures 5 illustrate another perspective view of the thermoelectric stirrer with the cooking utensil and the source of heat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter and;

Figures 6 illustrate a method of using a thermoelectric stirrer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Following is an example which is illustrative only and invention accommodates any and every variation of the example provided below that shall serve the same purpose and is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The present subject matter relates to a thermoelectric stirrer for cooking utensil. The thermoelectric stirrer comprising at least one thermoelectric power generator and a stirrer assembly. The stirrer assembly comprises an adjustable handle, a motor, and a stirrer. The motor receives the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator. The motor is configured to rotate the stirrer.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 illustrates a side and a perspective view of a thermoelectric stirrer in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The thermoelectric stirrer 100 may comprises at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 and a stirrer assembly. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may be configured to receive the heat energy from a source of heat. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may be a plurality of thermoelectric power generator put in circular arch around the source of heat. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may converts the heat energy into an electric energy. The stirrer assembly may comprise an adjustable handle 102, a motor 112 and a stirrer 104. The motor 112 may receive the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 through insulated electric connection 114. The motor 112 may be configured to rotate the stirrer 104.

In one embodiment, the adjustable handle 102 may comprise a set of arms 102a, 102b, a knob 102c and a hollow bulge 102d. The motor 112 may be mounted in the hollow bulge 102d. The at least one arm of the set of arms 102a, 102b may comprises a recess. The knob 102c may be used for handling of the thermoelectric stirrer 100. The adjustable handle 102 may be molded using a plastic injection molding. The adjustable handle 102 may be one piece component. In another embodiment, the adjustable handle 102 may integration of a plurality of components. The set of arms 102a, 102b may be extended horizontally. The tip of the arm of the set of arms 102a, 102b may be curved in downward direction. The tip may be comprising slot or threaded portion configured to mount on the cooking utensil 206. The set of arms 102a, 102b may comprising at least one horizontal spring. The at least one spring may be configured to expand the set of arms 102a, 102b in the horizontal direction. In one embodiment, the set of arms 102a, 102b may be comprises two arms. In another embodiment, the set arms 102a, 102b may comprises more than two arms. In one embodiment the set of arms 102a, 102b may be adjustable in horizontal direction and vertical direction. The adjustable handle 102 may be enabled to mount on any size of the cooking utensil 206 by adjusting the set of arms 102a, 102b. The hollow bulge 102d may be extended opposite to knob 102c. The hollow bulge 102d may be comprises cavity to accommodate the motor 112. The adjustable handle 102 material may be selected from group of thermoplastics or thermosets polymers, plastics, polymer composites, glass fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, or blends of said materials. The material of adjustable handle 102 is not limited to above examples and materials having properties similar to above examples are well within the scope of present disclosure.

The thermoelectric power generator 116 may be connected to the motor 112 through insulated electric connections 114. The insulated electric connections 114 are pass through the recess of the at least one arm from the set of arms 102a, 102b. The insulated electric connections 114 may be copper wire insulated with heat and electricity resistive material. The material of insulated electric connections 114 is not limited to above examples and materials having properties similar to above examples are well within the scope of present disclosure. The insulated electric connections 114 may be an insulated metal rod. A casing for thermoelectric power generator 116 may be provided which would prevent overheating of thermoelectric power generators 116 and also act as a housing for the thermoelectric power generator 116. This housing may be expanded and contracted depending upon distance the thermoelectric power generator 116 may have to be kept from the heat source.

The motor 112 may comprises output shaft. The motor 112 may be received the electric energy from the thermoelectric power generator 116 through the insulated electric connections 114. The motor 112 may be configured to rotate the output shaft. The stirrer 104 comprises a shaft and a set of pans. The shaft may be connected to the output shaft of the motor 112 by coupling. The set of pans may be detachably attached to the shaft. The distance between the set of pans may be adjustable to facilitate the proper mixing. The height of the shaft may be adjustable. The shaft length may be changed as per application. The shaft comprises a plurality of tabs at specific positions. The pan from the set of pans may comprises a slot. The pan from the set of pans may be detachably attached to the shaft by inserting the slot into corresponding tab. In another embodiment, the shaft and the set of pans may be integrated structure in spiral shape. The shaft and the set of pans may be made up of metal or polymer or composite materials. The material of the shaft and the set of pans is not limited to above examples and materials having properties similar to above examples are well within the scope of present disclosure. A dimmer may be connected to the electrical connections 114 between the motor 112 and the thermoelectric power generator 116. The dimmer may be configured to vary speed the motor 112. The dimmer may be attached to the adjustable handle 102. The dimmer may be configured to control the flow of the electrical energy from the electrical connections 114.

Figure 3, 4 and 5 illustrates a side, a perspective view of a thermoelectric stirrer with the cooking utensils and the source of heat in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The thermoelectric stirrer 100 for cooking utensils may comprises at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 and a stirrer assembly. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may be configured to receive the heat energy from a source of heat 204. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may converts the heat energy into an electric energy. The stirrer assembly may comprise an adjustable handle 102, a motor 112 and a stirrer 104. The motor 112 may receives the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116. The motor 112 may be configured to rotate the stirrer 104.

In one embodiment, the source of heat 204 may be selected from group of a gas stove, a brick stove, a stone stove, a clay furnace, and a ceramic furnace. The source of heat 204 may be fueled by combustible gas such as syngas, natural gas, propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas or other flammable gas. In another embodiment the source of heat 204 may be fueled by solid fuels such as coal or wood. The source of heat 204 may be configured to heat the meals of a cooking utensil 206. A stand 202 may be placed on the source of heat 204 for putting the cooking utensil 206. The cooking utensil 206 may be in any shape and size use for cooking meals.

In one embodiment, the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may comprises an n- type and a p-type semiconductor material connected through ceramic contact pads. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may place near the source of heat 204. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may comprises two side namely a hot side and a cold side. The hot side may be facing to the source of heat 204. The hot side may receive the heat radiations from the source of heat 204. The cold side may be faced opposite to the source of heat 204. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may works on the seebeck effect of the power generations. The n-type and the p-type semiconductor material may be connected to form thermocouples. The Seebeck effect is when electricity is created between thermocouple when the ends are subjected to a temperature difference between them. The at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may generates the electric energy. In another embodiment, the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may be plurality of thermoelectric power generator place in circular arch around the source of heat 204. Further, the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116 may comprises a horizontal extension. The horizontal extension may be configured to mount the at least one thermoelectric power generator on the stand 202 around the source of heat 204.

Now refereeing to the Fig. 6 illustrates a method of using a thermoelectric stirrer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 300 comprises various steps. The steps are described in below paragraphs.

In step 302, a plurality of thermoelectric power generators 116 may be set up in circular arch around the source of heat 204. The thermoelectric power generator 116 may comprises an n-type and a p-type semiconductor material connected through ceramic contact pads. In step 304, a cooking utensil 206 may be put on the top of the source of heat 204 on stand 202. The cooking utensil 206 may be in various sizes and shapes.

In step 306, an insulated electric connection 114 may be a hard wire. The insulated electric connection 114 may be attached with the thermosetting insulation on the outlet electrical outlet of the thermoelectric power generator 116.

In step 308, an adjustable handle 120 attached with the stirrer 104 may be mounted on the top of the cooking utensil 206.

In step 310, a liquid meal may be poured into cooking utensil 206 and start the heating.

In step 312, the thermoelectric power generator 116 may receives the heat energy from the source of heat 204. The thermoelectric power generator 116 may converts the heat energy into electrical energy. The motor 112 may receive the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator 116. The motor 112 may be configured to rotate the stirrer 104.

The thermoelectric stirrer 100 for cooking utensil of the present subject matter has, but are not limited to, following benefits/advantages:

- consume wasted heat of radiation of the source of heat to rotate the stirrer;

- Continuous human attention not required;

- Easy to mount;

- Mount on any size and shape cooking utensil;

- Safe operation

- Lightweight; and

- Improved aesthetic look.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A thermoelectric stirrer (100) for cooking utensil, the thermoelectric stirrer (100) comprising: at least one thermoelectric power generator (116), wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) configured to receive the heat energy from a source of heat (204), wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) converts the heat energy into an electric energy and; a stirrer assembly, wherein the stirrer assembly comprises an adjustable handle (102), a motor (112) and a stirrer (104), wherein the motor (112) receives the electric energy from the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116), wherein the motor (112) is configured to rotate the stirrer (104).

2. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the source of heat (204) is selected from the group of a gas stove, a brick stove, a stone stove, a clay furnace, and a ceramic furnace.

3. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stand (202) is placed over the source of heat (204), wherein a cooking utensil (206) is placed on the stand (202).

4. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable handle (102) comprises a set of arms (102a, 102b), a knob (102c) and a hollow bulge (102d), wherein the motor (112) is mounted in the hollow bulge (102d), wherein the at least one arm of the set of arms (102a, 102b) comprises a recess.

5. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of arms (102a, 102b) are adjustable in horizontal direction and vertical direction, wherein the adjustable handle (102) is enabled to mount on any size of the cooking utensil (206) by adjusting the set of arms (102a, 102b).

6. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein the thermoelectric power generator (116) is connected to the motor (112) through insulated electric connections (114), wherein the insulated electric connections (114) are pass through the recess of the at least one arm.

7. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) comprises plurality of thermoelectric power generator place in circular arch around the source of heat (204).

8. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) comprises an n-type and a p- type semiconductor material connected through ceramic contact pads.

9. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 6, wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) is mounted near the source of heat (204), wherein the at least one thermoelectric power generator (116) is configured to receive the heat energy by radiation.

10. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stirrer (104) comprises a shaft and a set of pans, wherein the shaft is connected to the motor (112), wherein the set of pans are detachably attached to the shaft, wherein the distance between the set of pans is adjustable to facilitate the proper mixing.

11. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the height of the shaft is adjustable.

12. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dimmer is connected to the electrical connections (114) between the motor (112) and the thermoelectric power generator (116), wherein the dimmer is configured to vary speed the motor (112).

13. The thermoelectric stirrer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable handle (102) material is selected from group of thermoplastics or thermosets polymers, plastics, polymer composites, glass fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, or blends of said materials.