Device for measuring temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement devices for cooking have limitations, including contamination issues with contact-type devices and limited flexibility and accuracy in non-contact devices, especially when used with various cooking containers and environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with an array sensor and controller that measures temperature changes and surface material emissivity to accurately determine the type and material of cooking containers, allowing for precise temperature measurement of loads in different cooking environments, even when the container and heating element are not concentrically disposed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact-type temperature measurement device is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device is contaminated with food and requires cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-type mechanical temperature measurement probe with a non-contact infrared temperature measurement device. The infrared sensor measures temperature by detecting infrared radiation emitted by the cooking container surface, eliminating the need for physical contact and subsequent cleaning while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If a non-contact temperature measurement device is used, then cleaning requirement is reduced, but the device has limited flexibility and accuracy in various cooking environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the temperature of the cooking container surface and uses this information to estimate and control the load temperature. The controller adjusts cooking parameters based on the measured temperature changes, ensuring accurate temperature control despite the non-contact measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct load temperature to cooking container surface temperature. By measuring the temperature of the container surface and using the thermal relationship between container and load, the system achieves accurate temperature control without direct contact with the food, adapting to various cooking environments.
3Measurement precision
If the cooking container is opened to measure temperature with a probe device, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the probe-type mechanical temperature measurement method that requires opening the cooking container with a non-contact infrared measurement system. The infrared sensor can measure the temperature of the cooking container surface through the closed container, eliminating the need to open the container and interrupting the cooking process minimally.
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 device provides accurate temperature measurements of loads in various cooking environments and container types without the need for user-inputted container information, enhancing flexibility and accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The IR sensor measures a temperature of the cooking container using infrared rays
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring temperature can include at least one array sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least a portion of a surface of an object to be heated by a cooking appliance; and a controller configured to determine a temperature change rate based on the temperature, and determine a surface material of the object based on the temperature change rate. Also, the cooking appliance can be an induction heating-type cooktop including a working coil that generates magnetic fields to heat the object.