Wireless passive food temperature probe and food processing device

Abstract

This application proposes a wireless passive food temperature probe and a food processing device. The wireless passive food temperature probe includes a probe tube and a handle; the probe tube is a metal tube, and a printed circuit board, an RF chip, and a temperature sensor are disposed inside the probe tube; an RF antenna and an antenna ground wire are disposed inside the handle; the temperature sensor is connected to the RF chip, and the RF chip is connected to the RF antenna and the antenna ground wire through the printed circuit board and a shielded wire, respectively; the probe tube is connected to the handle. Through innovative wireless passive design, the operation, cost, size, and environmental adaptability problems of existing probes are comprehensively solved, providing an efficient and reliable temperature monitoring solution for the food processing field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a wireless passive food temperature probe and food processing device, which is used to monitor the internal temperature of food in real time and achieve precise heating control. It belongs to the field of food processing equipment and temperature measurement technology. Background Technology

[0002] During food heating processes (such as baking in ovens or grills), there is a significant difference between the internal temperature of the food and the ambient temperature of the container. Therefore, a temperature probe must be inserted directly into the food to measure the temperature. Currently, food temperature probes are mainly divided into two categories: Wired probes: These connect to the temperature measuring device via a signal cable and passively transmit temperature signals. They suffer from drawbacks such as inconvenience in operation, difficulty in cleaning, and a risk of burns to users. Wireless active probes: powered by built-in batteries, actively transmitting temperature signals. However, they have the following drawbacks: high overall cost, and significantly shortened battery life under high temperatures; the battery size limits the minimum probe size (current technology's smallest is only 4mm), making it unsuitable for temperature monitoring of small pieces of food.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a temperature probe technology that is battery-free, smaller in size, heat-resistant, and easy to operate, in order to address the pain points of existing products. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a wireless passive food temperature probe and food processing device, so as to avoid the inconvenience of operation, cleaning difficulties and risk of burns caused by wired connection, eliminate the problems of high cost, short life at high temperature and size limitation caused by battery, and realize the miniaturization of probe size to adapt to the monitoring of small food pieces, and ensure stable operation in high temperature environment. According to the embodiments of this utility model, the first embodiment is provided as follows: a wireless passive food temperature probe, including a probe tube and a handle; the probe tube is a metal tube, and a printed circuit board, an RF chip and a temperature sensor are disposed inside the probe tube; an RF antenna and an antenna ground wire are disposed inside the handle; the temperature sensor is connected to the RF chip, and the RF chip is connected to the RF antenna and the antenna ground wire respectively through the printed circuit board and the shielding wire; the probe tube is connected to the handle.

[0005] Furthermore, the printed circuit board includes a rigid PCB board and a flexible FPC board.

[0006] Furthermore, the radio frequency chip includes a radio frequency transceiver unit, a power management module, an integrated sensor, a modulation and adjustment unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and a clock.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature sensor is integrated into the radio frequency chip, or the temperature sensor is disposed on a printed circuit board.

[0008] Furthermore, the radio frequency antenna is one of the following: an I-shaped antenna, a spiral antenna, or an irregularly shaped antenna.

[0009] Furthermore, the shielding line includes a signal layer and a shielding layer, and the radio frequency chip is connected to the radio frequency antenna through a printed circuit board and the signal layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the shielding layer is short-circuited to ground with the modulation circuit or π-type circuit on the printed circuit board, or the shielding layer is short-circuited to ground with the probe tube body, or the shielding layer is connected to the antenna feed line.

[0011] Furthermore, the printed circuit board, radio frequency chip, temperature sensor, and shielding wire are fixed and encapsulated within the probe tube using sealant.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer layer of the handle is one of glass glaze, silicone, plastic, ceramic, or coating.

[0013] According to the embodiments of this utility model, utilizing the wireless passive food temperature probe in the first solution provided by this utility model, a second solution is provided as follows: A food processing device includes a main control chip, an RF interface, and a read / write antenna. The main control chip includes a logic control unit, a data processing unit, a coupling module, and a transceiver module. The main control chip transmits RF signals to the RF antenna of a wireless passive food temperature probe through the read / write antenna. The RF chip converts the RF signals to power the chip. The RF chip also transmits temperature measurement signals to the read / write antenna of the food processing device through the RF antenna. The main control chip acquires and processes the temperature measurement signals.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model achieves the following technical effects through a wireless passive radio frequency power supply structure: No batteries required, reducing costs and maintenance complexity: It uses radio frequency signal power supply, eliminating the need for batteries, resulting in lower overall costs and avoiding the problem of battery life degradation under high temperature environments.

[0015] After removing the battery, the probe's minimum size can break through the 4mm limit, allowing it to be inserted into small pieces of food, such as diced meat or pastries, for precise temperature measurement.

[0016] The wireless design enhances operational safety and convenience. Wireless transmission avoids the tangling and pulling of wired connections, making cleaning easier. With no exposed wires, the risk of burns to users is reduced, and the user-friendliness is improved.

[0017] The probe tube is made of metal, and the internal components are fixed and encapsulated with sealant. It can withstand the high temperature environment of ovens / roasting ovens and has a service life that is more than twice as long as that of wireless active probes.

[0018] It integrates a temperature sensor and an RF chip, providing high temperature measurement accuracy and short data transmission response time to meet real-time monitoring needs.

[0019] In summary, this utility model, through its innovative wireless and passive design, comprehensively solves the problems of operation, cost, size, and environmental adaptability of existing probes, providing an efficient and reliable temperature monitoring solution for the food processing industry. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] in: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a wireless passive food temperature probe in one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a structural disassembly diagram of a wireless passive food temperature probe in one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a probe structure for an RF chip with integrated temperature measurement functionality, as shown in one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a probe structure including a temperature sensor in one embodiment; Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram and scene diagram of a food processing device in one embodiment; Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the signal interaction between the food processing device and the probe in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure label: 10-Probe tube body; 11-Printed circuit board; 12-RF chip; 121-RF chip with integrated temperature measurement function; 21-Handle; 22-Support substrate; 23-RF antenna; 31-Shielding wire; 32-Signal layer; 33-Antenna ground wire; 40-Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] Example 1 This embodiment provides a wireless passive food temperature probe to solve the problems of existing wired probes that passively transmit temperature signals, resulting in inconvenient operation, difficulty in cleaning, and the risk of burns to users. It also solves the problems of wireless active probes that are powered by built-in batteries, leading to higher overall costs, reduced lifespan in high-temperature environments, and limitations on probe miniaturization.

[0025] Specifically, the wireless passive food temperature probe in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a probe tube body 10 and a handle 21.

[0026] The probe body 10 is made of stainless steel and typically has a pointed tip at its end for easy insertion into foods of different textures, such as steaks and pastries. Figure 2 As shown, the core components internally include a printed circuit board 11, an RF chip 12, and a temperature sensor 40. The temperature sensor 40 is connected to the RF chip 12.

[0027] Specifically, the printed circuit board 11 includes a rigid PCB board and a flexible FPC board. In this embodiment, a rigid PCB board is selected, and the radio frequency chip 12 is disposed on the rigid PCB board.

[0028] Specifically, the RF chip 12 can be configured with an RF transceiver unit, a power management module, an integrated sensor, a modulation and conditioning unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and a clock. For example, the RF chip 12 uses a LoRa chip compatible with the ISO 15693 protocol, integrating RF transceiver, power management, temperature sensing, modulation and conditioning, storage, control, and clock modules. The RF transceiver unit receives RF signals (power supply and control commands) transmitted by the read / write antenna of the food processing device and sends temperature measurement data. The power management module converts the received RF signals into a stable DC power supply to power the various modules of the chip. The integrated sensor collects the internal temperature of the food in real time with an accuracy of ±0.5℃ (-10℃~85℃). The modulation and conditioning unit modulates and demodulates the temperature measurement signal to ensure reliable data transmission. The storage unit stores temperature measurement data, chip ID, calibration parameters, and other information. The control unit coordinates the work of each module, executes communication protocols, and processes data. The clock unit provides a stable clock signal to ensure communication synchronization and timed data acquisition.

[0029] Specifically, the temperature sensor 40 is an integrated design, such as... Figure 3 As shown, an RF chip 121 with integrated temperature measurement function is used, and the temperature sensor 40 is integrated into the RF chip 12 as a module within the RF chip 12.

[0030] Specifically, the temperature sensor 40 is an external design, such as... Figure 4 As shown, a temperature sensor 40 is separately mounted on the printed circuit board 11. The positive and negative terminals of the temperature sensor 40 chip are connected to the pins of the radio frequency chip 12.

[0031] The handle 21 has an outer layer made of one of the following: glass glaze, silicone, plastic, ceramic, or coating. In this embodiment, the handle 21 is made of food-grade silicone and is spindle-shaped with anti-slip textures on the surface.

[0032] A radio frequency antenna 23 is installed inside the handle 21. The radio frequency antenna 23 is one of an I-shaped antenna, a spiral antenna, or an irregularly shaped antenna. An I-shaped antenna, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the handle 21 is provided with a radio frequency antenna 23 and an antenna ground wire 33. The antenna ground wire 33 is arranged opposite to the radio frequency antenna to provide shielding for the transmission and reception of the radio frequency antenna 23. When the antenna ground wire 33 is connected to the shielding layer of the shielding wire, it acts as a ground wire.

[0034] Specifically, the support base 22 is a crucial component housed within the handle 21. The support base 22 is an insulator, and its combination with the RF antenna 23 forms the basis for various antenna configurations. For example, an I-shaped printed antenna can be printed onto the support base 22, and the support base 22 with the I-shaped printed antenna is then fixed within the handle 21, forming a low-cost, easily manufactured antenna structure. The support base 22 can also be combined with the RF antenna 23 to form other types, such as a spiral antenna, providing support for the physical stability of the RF antenna 23. In particular, such as... Figure 2 As shown, an RF antenna 23 and an antenna ground line 33 are respectively installed on both sides of the support base 22. The antenna ground line 33 serves as a shield for the RF antenna 23 to transmit and receive signals, thereby enhancing the signal transmission and reception performance of the wireless passive food temperature probe.

[0035] The printed circuit board 11 and the radio frequency antenna 23 are connected by a shielded cable 31. The shielded cable 31 has a double-layer coaxial structure: the inner layer is the signal layer 32, which transmits radio frequency signals, and the outer layer is the shielding layer, for example, using aluminum foil and braided mesh for full coverage. The shielding layer is grounded in two ways: Option 1: The shielding layer is connected to the π-type filter circuit on the printed circuit board 11 and then grounded to reduce electromagnetic interference; for example, the π-type circuit includes a 100pF ceramic capacitor and a 100Ω chip resistor.

[0036] Option 2: The shielding layer is directly connected to the probe tube 10, and grounding is achieved through the tube to reduce electromagnetic interference.

[0037] All connected components are sealed with high-temperature resistant silicone rubber sealant to ensure that no moisture intrusion occurs in the high-temperature oven environment.

[0038] Option 3: The shielding layer is connected to the antenna feed line 33, and the antenna feed line 33 acts as a ground wire.

[0039] The probe tube 10 and the handle 21 are connected by threads, interference fit, adhesive, or injection molding.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, signal transmission path one is as follows: the main control chip generates an RF signal, which is received by the RF antenna 23 via the read / write antenna. The RF antenna 23 transmits the RF signal to the RF chip 12 through the shielded wire 31. The RF chip 12 converts the RF signal into DC current to power the RF chip 12 and the printed circuit board 11. Signal transmission path two is as follows: the temperature sensor 40 detects the ambient temperature, and the RF chip 12 processes the signal to generate a temperature measurement signal. The temperature measurement signal is transmitted to the read / write antenna via the RF antenna 23. The main control chip receives the temperature measurement signal transmitted by the read / write antenna and processes it.

[0041] This embodiment of the wireless passive food temperature probe requires no batteries, offering advantages such as low cost and simple maintenance. Powered by radio frequency signals, it eliminates the need for batteries, resulting in lower overall costs and avoiding battery life degradation issues under high-temperature environments. Removing the battery allows the probe's minimum size to exceed 4mm, enabling precise temperature measurement even inside small food items like diced meat or pastries. The wireless design enhances operational safety and convenience, avoiding the tangling and pulling associated with wired connections, simplifying cleanup; the absence of exposed wiring reduces the risk of burns and improves user-friendliness. The probe body 10 is made of metal, with internal components sealed with adhesive, allowing it to withstand the high temperatures of ovens / grills and extending its lifespan by more than twice that of wireless active probes. Integrating a temperature sensor 40 and a radio frequency chip 12, it offers high temperature measurement accuracy and short data transmission response time, meeting real-time monitoring requirements. Through its innovative wireless passive design, it comprehensively solves the operational, cost, size, and environmental adaptability issues of existing probes, providing an efficient and reliable temperature monitoring solution for the food processing industry.

[0042] Example 2 This embodiment provides a food processing device, such as an oven, compatible with a wireless passive food temperature probe. Figure 5 As shown, it includes a main control chip, a radio frequency interface and a read / write antenna. The main control chip includes a logic control unit, a data processing unit, a coupling module and a transceiver module. The main control chip sends radio frequency signals to the radio frequency antenna 23 of the wireless passive food temperature probe through the read and write antenna. The radio frequency chip 12 converts the radio frequency signals and then powers the chip. The radio frequency chip 12 sends a temperature measurement signal to the read / write antenna of the food processing device through the radio frequency antenna 23, and the main control chip acquires and processes the temperature measurement signal.

[0043] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification. The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application's patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0044] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to the other component. It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

Claims

1. A wireless passive food temperature probe, characterized in that, Includes the probe tube body and the handle; The probe tube is a metal tube, and a printed circuit board, an RF chip, and a temperature sensor are disposed inside the probe tube. The handle is equipped with a radio frequency antenna and an antenna ground wire. The temperature sensor is connected to the radio frequency chip, which is connected to the radio frequency antenna and the antenna ground line via a printed circuit board and a shielding wire, respectively. The probe tube is connected to the handle.

2. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printed circuit board includes a rigid PCB board and a flexible FPC board.

3. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency chip includes a radio frequency transceiver unit, a power management module, an integrated sensor, a modulation and adjustment unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and a clock.

4. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is integrated into the radio frequency chip, or the temperature sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board.

5. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency antenna is one of the following: I-shaped antenna, spiral antenna, or irregularly shaped antenna.

6. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding line includes a signal layer and a shielding layer, and the radio frequency chip is connected to the radio frequency antenna through a printed circuit board and the signal layer.

7. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shielding layer is short-circuited to ground with the modulation circuit or π-type circuit on the printed circuit board, or the shielding layer is short-circuited to ground with the probe tube body, or the shielding layer is connected to the antenna feed line.

8. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printed circuit board, radio frequency chip, temperature sensor, and shielding wire are fixed and encapsulated in the probe tube using sealant.

9. The wireless passive food temperature probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer layer of the handle is one of glass glaze, silicone, plastic, ceramic, or coating.

10. A food processing apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a main control chip, a radio frequency interface, and a read / write antenna. The main control chip includes a logic control unit, a data processing unit, a coupling module, and a transceiver module. The main control chip sends radio frequency signals to the radio frequency antenna of the wireless passive food temperature probe through the read / write antenna. The radio frequency chip converts the radio frequency signals to power the chip. The radio frequency chip sends a temperature measurement signal to the read / write antenna of the food processing device through the radio frequency antenna, and the main control chip acquires and processes the temperature measurement signal.

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