Contactless Electromagnetic Sensing for Cooking Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional temperature feedback systems for cooking require direct contact with food or pans, which can lead to inadequate contact and damage, limiting their effectiveness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A contactless temperature-regulating unit that includes a base, thermal element, and a contactless sensing assembly, such as inductive or infrared sensing systems, to monitor and control the temperature of pans and food products without direct contact, using sensing coils or probes to detect presence, material, and temperature, and adaptively control thermal elements for precise temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-type temperature sensing mechanisms are used, then temperature feedback can be obtained, but the sensing mechanisms may not make sufficient contact with the pan and can be easily damaged during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-type mechanical temperature sensing mechanisms with a contactless electromagnetic sensing system. The sensing coil generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the pan to determine temperature without physical contact, thereby eliminating the problem of insufficient contact and mechanical damage while maintaining temperature measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If contact-type sensing mechanisms are used, then temperature data can be acquired, but direct contact with food or pan can cause damage to cooking surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic induction through a sensing coil to acquire temperature data without mechanical contact. The electromagnetic field penetrates non-magnetic materials (glass, ceramic, non-magnetic metal) to sense temperature changes in the pan or food, thereby obtaining necessary temperature information while completely avoiding damage to cooking surfaces.
3Reliability
If contactless sensing assembly is used, then reliability and non-invasive monitoring are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the temperature sensing element and the thermal regulation actuator through electromagnetic induction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving reliable contactless temperature monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the sensing coil continuously monitors temperature and the controller adjusts the thermal element accordingly. This closed-loop feedback simplifies the overall control strategy by using the temperature information directly from the sensing coil to regulate heating, reducing the need for complex external sensing and control systems.
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
Enables accurate and reliable temperature control of pans and food products, preventing damage to cooking surfaces and ensuring consistent cooking quality, while allowing for non-invasive monitoring and control, thus enhancing cooking efficiency and food safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing coil has a resonant frequency that is affected by a presence of the pan
Implementation Method 2
The sensing coil has a resonant frequency that is affected by a presence of the pan
Implementation Method 3
The thermal element is positioned to thermally regulate the at least one of the pan or the food product
Implementation Method 4
Each of the plurality of temperature sensors is configured to acquire temperature data regarding a temperature of a food product at a respective depth of the food product
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-regulating unit includes a base, a thermal element, a contactless sensing assembly, and a controller. The base is configured to support at least one of a pan or a food product. The thermal element is positioned to thermally regulate the at least one of the pan or the food product. The contactless sensing assembly is positioned to acquire sensor data regarding the at least one of the pan or the food product. The controller is configured to receive the sensor data from the contactless sensing assembly and adaptively control the thermal element based on the sensor data.