Infrared Detector for Microwave Circuit Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave cooking appliances face challenges in safely and reliably monitoring and controlling the temperature of circuit components, particularly high-frequency components, due to interference and thermal inertia issues with traditional thermocouple-based temperature measurement systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of infrared (IR) detectors for non-contact, high-speed, and precise temperature measurement of circuit components, allowing for quick and accurate control, and potentially eliminating the need for circulators, end loads, and feedthrough networks, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional thermocouple-based temperature measurement systems are used, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but interference and thermal inertia issues occur leading to delayed and inaccurate temperature control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thermocouple system with an optical/infrared detection system. The infrared sensor detects thermal radiation from the circuit component without physical contact, eliminating the thermal inertia and interference problems inherent in thermocouple-based mechanical systems. This substitution enables faster, more accurate temperature measurement while improving control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If contact-based temperature sensors are used, then temperature detection is possible, but interference with high-frequency circuit components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature detection capabilityVSAvoidinterference with circuit components

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based temperature sensors with an infrared detection system that measures temperature through thermal radiation. This non-contact method eliminates the harmful interference that physical sensors cause to high-frequency circuit components while maintaining full temperature detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary medium for temperature measurement. Instead of direct contact between sensor and circuit component, the infrared sensor detects temperature through the thermal radiation field that naturally emanates from the component, thus avoiding direct interference while enabling accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If rapid temperature control is implemented, then safety is improved, but complex control systems and additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of operationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex contact-based temperature measurement and control systems with a simplified infrared detection system. By using optical detection instead of mechanical contact sensors, the system achieves rapid temperature control for safety improvements while actually reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid and precise temperature monitoring and control of circuit components, preventing overheating, reducing component damage, and achieving cost savings by eliminating unnecessary components, while improving the overall reliability and efficiency of microwave cooking appliances.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one temperature detector is an IR detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3682712B1Household appliance having a temperature detector

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a household appliance (1; 11), comprising at least one circuit component (6), a control device (9) for controlling the at least one circuit component (6), and at least one temperature detector (7; 12), which is coupled with the control device (9). The at least one temperature detector (7; 12) is arranged and designed for sensing a temperature of at least one circuit component (6). The control device (9) is designed to control the household appliance based on the temperature measurement data measured by the at least one temperature detector (7; 12). The at least one temperature detector (7; 12) is an IR detector. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a household appliance (1; 11). The invention is in particular advantageously applicable to microwave cooking appliances such as autonomous microwave cooking appliances, or to ovens, for example, baking ovens having a microwave functionality.