Method for operating a food processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric food processors face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution within cooking vessels and containers, limiting the precision and efficiency of cooking processes due to the limitations of wired temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
The integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for wireless temperature measurement, allowing for spatially variable placement on elements like cooking containers and spatulas, enabling precise temperature monitoring and independent heating control across different cooking zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired temperature sensors are used in existing food processors, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the sensors cannot be easily placed on spatially variable elements and require complex wiring connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors transmit temperature data wirelessly to a receiver, eliminating the need for physical cable connections between the sensor and the control unit. This substitution enables easy placement of sensors on any spatially variable element without wiring constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary (SAW sensor with integrated antenna and receiver) that mediates between the temperature measurement point and the control unit. This intermediary enables data transmission without direct physical connection, allowing the sensor to be placed on moving or removable parts while maintaining communication with the base unit.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into removable cooking containers, then temperature monitoring of cooked product is improved, but the sensors become difficult to clean and sanitize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from fixed integrated sensors and places it on removable cooking containers. The SAW sensor is positioned on the cooking container surface, allowing the sensor-bearing container to be easily removed and cleaned separately from the main unit. This extraction enables independent cleaning of the sensor area without disassembling complex wiring or housing.
3Temperature
If multiple wired temperature sensors are placed throughout the vessel, then uniform temperature distribution can be monitored, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired multi-sensor systems with wireless SAW sensors that can be independently positioned on multiple cooking containers or zones. Each wireless sensor operates independently and communicates via radio frequency, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses and reducing system complexity while enabling multiple temperature monitoring points.
4Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed on spatially variable elements like spatulas, then real-time temperature measurement during manipulation is achieved, but the sensors must withstand mechanical stress and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless SAW sensors that are not constrained by physical wiring, making them more resistant to mechanical stress during manipulation. The wireless nature of the sensor eliminates vulnerability at connection points, and the sensor can be designed as a surface-mounted component that withstands cleaning procedures without compromising electrical connections.
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
This solution enables homogeneous temperature distribution and precise cooking control, allowing for optimized cooking processes and product preparation by wirelessly measuring temperatures and adjusting heating accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor be a surface acoustic wave sensor (SAW sensor)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically operated food processor for preparing a cooked product, which exhibits a basic unit, a vessel with an agitator that can be inserted into the basic unit, a cooking container that sits on the vessel, a heating device allocated to the vessel, a temperature sensor, a transceiver device for communicating with the temperature sensor, and an evaluator for evaluating the measurement data received from the temperature sensor. In order to provide an electric food processor with an alternative connection between the temperature sensor and evaluator, the temperature sensor can be a surface acoustic wave sensor (SAW sensor).