Cooking State Detection Using Food Impedance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking apparatuses lack the ability to accurately determine the cooking state of objects being heated, making it difficult for users to recognize the progress of cooking.
Innovation Solution
A cooking apparatus equipped with a first and second electrode portion that contact the object to be heated, an impedance measuring unit to measure impedance, and a controller that determines the cooking state based on the measured impedance using a database of impedance values corresponding to different cooking states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If cooking apparatus heats food for a predetermined time, then the cooking process can be automated, but the user cannot accurately recognize the cooking progress state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the impedance of the food during cooking and comparing it with pre-stored impedance values corresponding to different cooking states. This allows the system to automatically determine the cooking progress and provide real-time information about the cooking state, resolving the contradiction between automation and information availability.
2Measurement precision
If cooking apparatus uses impedance measurement to determine cooking state, then accurate cooking progress recognition is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cooking apparatus multi-functional by integrating both heating and impedance measurement capabilities into a single device. The cooking apparatus not only heats food but also automatically measures impedance and determines cooking states, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance measurement system is self-contained within the cooking apparatus, with the cooking device itself performing the measurement and analysis. The apparatus uses its own structure (electrode portions) to measure the impedance of the food, and the controller automatically compares measurements with stored data to determine cooking states, making the system self-sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If electrode portions contact the object to be heated, then impedance measurement is enabled, but the object may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) applied during impedance measurement to ensure they are sufficient for accurate measurement but low enough to prevent damage to the food. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable impedance measurement while minimizing any potential harmful effects on the cooked object.
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 determination of the cooking state of objects, allowing for precise control of the cooking process without damaging the object or requiring user expertise.
Implementation Method 1
an impedance measuring unit that measures impedance of an object to be heated by applying electricity to a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that contact an outer side of the object to be heated
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooking apparatus including an impedance measurer that measures impedance of an object to be heated by applying electricity to a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that contact an outer side of the object to be heated and that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and a controller that determines a cooking state of the object to be heated based on the measured impedance.