IR Sensor for Induction Cookware Temperature via Viewing Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional direct contact temperature sensing methods for induction-heated food items are inaccurate, slow, and impractical due to the need for expensive accessories and flat surface requirements, especially when dealing with cookware having underside surface height variations like porcelain.
Innovation Solution
An IR temperature sensing system using a polyethylene plastic viewing window and algorithms to adjust for the presence of the window and variations in cookware material emissivity, with the IR sensor positioned at the induction coil's power ring and a narrowing device to focus the field of view, allowing non-contact temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact temperature sensing methods are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but accuracy is poor and response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct contact mechanical temperature sensing (RTDs requiring physical contact with the pan) with non-contact infrared temperature sensing. The IR sensor detects thermal radiation from the pan bottom surface through the cooktop, eliminating mechanical contact requirements and improving both accuracy and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared-transparent viewing window as an intermediary between the IR sensor and the cookware. This window allows IR wavelengths to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity of the cooktop, enabling non-contact temperature measurement without direct sensor-to-pan contact.
2Measurement precision
If direct contact temperature sensing is used, then temperature can be measured, but expensive accessories and flat surface requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for flat surface contact requirements and expensive RTD accessories by using optical infrared sensing. The IR sensor can measure temperature through the cooktop material without requiring direct contact with the pan bottom, simplifying the system and removing accessory dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The IR temperature sensing system provides universal temperature measurement capability across different cookware types (porcelain, metallic, etc.) without requiring different accessories or surface preparations. The system works through various cooktop materials via the IR-transparent window.
3Ease of operation
If IR temperature sensing is implemented, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but environmental distortions and material variations affect accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs algorithms that process the raw IR sensor data to compensate for environmental distortions and material variations. The system analyzes the spectral response and applies corrections based on the known properties of the viewing window and different cookware materials, maintaining accuracy despite varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts measurement parameters and algorithms based on the detected cookware material type and environmental conditions. By changing the processing parameters according to the specific situation (different materials, covers/shields presence), the system maintains measurement precision across varying operational conditions.
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
Provides accurate, fast, and cost-effective non-contact temperature measurement for induction-heated cookware, including porcelain, by accounting for the viewing window, cookware material, and field of view, enhancing safety and uniform heating.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the cookware
Implementation Method 2
an induction heater having a countertop for supporting the cookware
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring the temperature of cookware to be induction-heated, using an infrared temperature sensor. An induction heater countertop may include a viewing window between the infrared temperature sensor and the cookware. Various algorithms may be applied to the sensed temperature, to adjust it to account for the presence of the viewing window, as well as variations in the cookware material.