Helical Opening Food Probe Tip for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic visual food probes face engineering and cost challenges due to the limited space in the probe tip, which restricts the density and placement of optical components, affecting image resolution and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a helical elongated opening in the probe tip, allowing for a more efficient arrangement of optical components, including lenses and fiber optic cables, to enhance image replication and resolution while maintaining a small diameter tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an elongated opening and window in the tip of the probe is used, then the probe can visually scan the interior of cooked meat, but the density of optical components that can be placed in the confined space is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear arrangement of optical components to a three-dimensional configuration where multiple optical components are positioned at different depths and angles within the probe tip. This dimensional reorganization allows higher component density within the confined space while maintaining the elongated opening for visual scanning.
2Length of moving object
If the probe tip diameter is kept very small, then the probe remains compact and minimally invasive, but only a limited number of optical components can be functionally positioned along the elongated opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple optical components are positioned concentrically and at different radial distances from the probe axis. This nesting strategy allows multiple lenses and optical elements to be packed within the small tip diameter while maintaining their functional relationships and light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial positioning of optical components, arranging them at different radial distances and axial positions within the probe tip. This multi-dimensional arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the small diameter constraint, enabling functional placement of multiple optical elements without increasing tip size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are densely packed in the probe tip, then image resolution and replication improve, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete components positioned at specific locations within the probe tip, including separate lenses for different focal lengths and optical paths. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining high image resolution through the combined function of multiple specialized optical elements.
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 configuration improves the potential resolution and image quality of the probe tip, reduces production costs, and enables a more accurate visual assessment of food doneness without compromising the probe's compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting conduit comprising a fiber optic cable that transmits visible light from a light source
Implementation Method 2
an optical element positioned in the distal end of the stem that redirects visible light from the fiber optic cable to illuminate an interior portion of the food item
Implementation Method 3
a second fiber optic cable that converts visible light reflected from the interior of the food item into electronic data
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic visual food probe for insertion into and viewing of the interior of a body of food. The distal end of the stem has one or more openings that collectively allow light into and out of the cavity, the opening(s) exhibiting a degree of radial displacement. A light source in the stem illuminates the interior of the food exposed to the opening. An electronic image sensor receives the light reflected from the interior surfaces of the food proximate the opening(s) and generates an elongated color image of the reflected light. An electronic display system displays the elongated color image.