Antenna Sensor Shielding for Microwave Nutritional Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining nutritional parameters in food items are limited by the need for complete filling of sampling stations, which is not feasible for varying food sizes and shapes, and can cause arcing issues when integrated with microwave ovens, making it difficult to measure multiple ingredients and maintain accuracy without damaging the appliances.
Innovation Solution
A system with a holding cavity and sensor assembly, including a transmitter and receiver antenna, with a switch to manage electric potential and metallic shields to prevent arcing, allowing for non-destructive measurement of nutritional parameters in food items, even when integrated with existing appliances like microwave ovens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are placed in microwave oven cavity for nutritional measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but arcing damage occurs to the microwave oven
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between the metallic sensor assembly and the microwave cavity. This dielectric barrier prevents direct interaction between microwaves and metallic sensors, eliminating arcing while allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through for nutritional measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct metallic sensor placement with a non-metallic dielectric structure that holds the sensors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical/electrical direct contact problem between metallic components and microwave fields, preventing arcing while maintaining measurement functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sampling stations are used to accommodate different food items, then measurement versatility is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sampling station with adjustable dimensions and a flexible platform that can accommodate various food items of different sizes, shapes, and compositions. This single multi-functional station replaces the need for multiple specialized stations, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling station incorporates a movable platform and adjustable components that can be dynamically reconfigured for different food items. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical station to serve multiple measurement purposes without requiring separate fixed stations for each food type.
3Measurement precision
If complete filling of sampling station is required, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in filling various food items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension with an adjustable platform height mechanism, allowing the sampling station to adapt to different food item volumes. Instead of requiring horizontal filling to a fixed level, users can adjust the vertical measurement plane, making it easier to achieve complete filling with various food quantities while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 accurate, non-destructive measurement of nutritional parameters in food items of varying sizes and compositions without causing arcing in microwave ovens, reducing the need for multiple sampling stations and improving the safety and efficiency of nutritional analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter antenna and at least one receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna is configured to transmit signals to at least a portion of a food item disposed in the holding cavity. The at least one receiver antenna is configured to receive response signals from the food item
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of metallic shields disposed between the transmitter antenna and the cavity and the receiver antenna and the cavity. The metallic shields are configured to absorb radiation in the holding cavity that is directed towards the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna
Implementation Method 3
The switch is configured to place the sensor assembly at a same electric potential as the holding cavity in a first state and to connect the sensor assembly to a power source in a second state
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring nutritional parameters of food items is provided. The system includes a holding cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly that includes a transmitter antenna and at least one receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna is configured to transmit signals to a food item in the holding cavity. The receiver antenna is configured to receive response signals from the food item. The system includes at least one switch coupled to each antenna. The switch, in a first state, is configured to set the sensor assembly to an electric potential equal to that of the holding cavity. In a second state, the switch is configured to couple the sensor assembly to a power source. The system also includes a processing unit to process the signals received to determine the nutritional parameters of the food item.