LoRa Base Unit for Wireless Barbecue Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barbecue temperature monitoring systems require manual insertion of thermometers, are prone to failure in high temperatures, and rely on intermediary devices or networks for remote monitoring, limiting convenience and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base unit and a receiver that wirelessly transmits temperature data over long distances through LoRa technology, allowing direct communication without intermediaries, and enabling multiple units to operate in close proximity without interference, using battery power and relying on unique sub-channels for signal differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual insertion of thermometer is used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but convenience and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion of thermometers with an automated wireless temperature monitoring system. Sensors are embedded in the cooking surface and meat, wirelessly transmitting temperature data to a base unit and mobile device, eliminating the need for manual thermometer insertion and measurement while maintaining accurate temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service temperature monitoring where the cooking surface and meat themselves contain embedded sensors that automatically measure and transmit their own temperature data. The base unit and mobile device receive this data automatically, allowing the system to monitor temperatures without requiring user intervention for manual measurements.
2Productivity
If thermometer is left inserted in meat, then continuous temperature monitoring is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to high temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the temperature monitoring function into separate components: temperature sensors embedded in the cooking surface and meat, a base unit that receives wireless transmissions, and a mobile device for user access. This segmentation allows the sensors to remain in the high-temperature environment while the base unit and mobile device operate in protected environments, maintaining both continuous monitoring and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the temperature sensors in the cooking environment and the base unit/mobile device. This wireless transmission medium allows temperature data to be conveyed without physically connecting the monitoring devices to the high-temperature zones, preserving reliability while enabling continuous monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If intermediary devices or networks are used for remote monitoring, then remote access is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a wireless receiver for temperature data and a bridge to mobile devices. By consolidating these functions into a single device that can operate independently or with mobile device integration, the system reduces overall complexity compared to requiring separate intermediary devices and network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables direct communication between the base unit and mobile devices without requiring complex intermediary infrastructure. The base unit autonomously receives temperature data from sensors and transmits it to paired mobile devices, allowing remote monitoring through a simplified direct connection rather than complex network intermediaries.
4Ease of operation
If long-range wireless transmission is implemented, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic temperature measurements and wireless transmissions rather than continuous monitoring. The embedded sensors take temperature readings at intervals and transmit data to the base unit periodically, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while maintaining effective remote monitoring capability over long ranges.
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 convenient, reliable, and flexible remote monitoring of barbecue temperatures, reducing setup and maintenance costs, and allowing multiple users to track temperatures from a single base unit across various environments, including areas without external power or network access.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a base unit and a receiver that wirelessly transmits temperature data over long distances through LoRa technology
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring thermometer temperatures may include a base unit and one or more receivers. The base unit may determine temperatures associated with one or more probes. The base unit may transmit the determined temperatures wirelessly to one or more receivers without the use of an intermediary device (such as a bridge, gateway, router, hub, or relay device) or network. The base unit may transmit data to the receivers using a long-rage (LoRa) transmitter or transceiver. The base unit may be paired with the receivers such that the receivers receive transmissions from the base unit but not a second base unit that may be operating in the transmission range of the receivers. The base unit may transmit data to the receivers at a particular transmission interval.