Closed-Container Food Core Temperature Estimation by Heat Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the core temperature of food are either destructive, costly, or unreliable, failing to accurately monitor the internal temperature of food during cooking, which can lead to undercooking or overcooking issues affecting nutrition, taste, and food safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust heating power in a closed container to measure the change in internal temperature, using a sensor to determine the core temperature of food based on pre-obtained relationships between temperature changes and core temperatures, allowing for non-destructive and cost-effective monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle-shaped thermometer is used to measure core temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the method is destructive and troublesome involving significant manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle thermometer insertion method with an electromagnetic sensing system that measures temperature remotely through the food surface, eliminating the need for physical penetration and manual operation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer temperature information from the food core to the sensor without direct contact, using the food's electrical properties as a medium to convey internal temperature data through surface measurements
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic radiometry or magnetic resonance thermometry is used, then non-destructive measurement is achieved, but the setup is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, low-cost electrical sensors and basic measurement circuits instead of expensive electromagnetic radiometry or magnetic resonance equipment, achieving adequate temperature measurement functionality with inexpensive components suitable for consumer applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures electrical properties at the food surface rather than attempting to measure core temperature directly, using partial measurement data combined with thermal modeling to infer the core temperature, thereby simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound or infrared device is used in vertical alignment, then core or surface temperature can be measured, but the equipment is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex ultrasound or infrared measurement systems with simple electrical property sensing that can be performed with basic electrical circuits and sensors, dramatically reducing equipment complexity and cost while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical analog model of the food's thermal state by measuring electrical properties at the surface and using thermal-diffusion modeling to copy or infer the core temperature, avoiding the need for direct physical or electromagnetic measurement of the core
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 efficient determination of core food temperature without damaging the food, improving cooking outcomes by ensuring proper doneness and safety, while being suitable for consumer applications.
Implementation Method 1
the heating source is switched on, which heats up the air around it by both radiation and conduction
Implementation Method 2
the heating of the food is then realized by the radiation, from both the heating source and the warm Zinc plates, and the heat transferred by the air through convection
Implementation Method 3
heat flows spontaneously from a system of higher temperature to one of lower temperature
Implementation Method 4
obtaining information related to change of internal temperature of the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention proposes a method of determining core temperature of food in a closed container, the method comprising the steps of: adjusting heating power supplied to the container to allow internal temperature of the container to change within a predetermined duration; obtaining information related to the change of internal temperature of the container; and determining the core temperature of the food based on the information related to the change of internal temperature and predetermined relationships between information related to change of internal temperature of the container and core temperatures of the food. The invention also proposes an apparatus for determining core temperature of food and a food processing device.