Microwave Popcorn Detection via Acoustic Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing popcorn popping methods in microwaves lack efficient end status indicators to determine when to stop the popping cycle, leading to potential burning or undercooking of popcorn kernels.

Innovation Solution

A method using a microphone sensor to detect popping sounds and a control unit to stop the energy source when predetermined end status indicators are met, including a number of popping sounds per time interval, total popping sounds, and change in popping sounds per interval, ensuring optimal popping completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed time-based popping cycle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of popcorn popping is poor leading to burning or undercooking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepopcorn popping completion accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a microphone to detect popping sounds and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the energy source operation based on the detected popping activity. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the popping cycle based on actual popping status rather than using a fixed time-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or time-based control systems with an acoustic detection system using a microphone and signal processing. The control decisions are made based on acoustic signals rather than mechanical timers, enabling more precise detection of popping completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple end status indicators are used to determine popping completion, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple detection parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepopcorn popping completion accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The popping detection process is divided into multiple independent evaluation criteria: (a) predetermined number of popping sounds per time interval, (b) predetermined total number of popping sounds, and (c) predetermined change in popping sounds per time interval. Each criterion is evaluated separately and contributes to the overall determination of popping completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system evaluates multiple end status indicators beyond what a single metric would provide. By using three different popping sound criteria rather than one, the system achieves more reliable detection of popping completion, accepting the additional complexity as worthwhile for improved accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If continuous energy provision is used during popping, then the productivity is high, but the object-affected harmful factors increase leading to burning of popcorn kernels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepopcorn popping speedVSAvoidburning of popcorn kernels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy source operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The control unit interrupts energy provision when end status indicators show that popping is complete, allowing the popping process to finish without additional energy input that would cause burning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The microphone-based detection system provides real-time feedback on popping activity, enabling the control unit to adjust energy provision dynamically. When popping sounds indicate completion, the feedback signal triggers interruption of energy supply, preventing burning while maintaining high productivity during the active popping phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures that popcorn is popped to the desired state, preventing burning or undercooking by accurately determining when to end the popping cycle based on sound wave analysis, thereby maintaining kernel quality.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, by a microphone sensor, sound waves in the cooking chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11102855B2Method for detecting the status of popcorn in a microwave

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A method of popping popcorn in a microwave includes operating an energy source to provide energy to a cooking chamber and detecting, by a microphone sensor, sound waves in the cooking chamber and providing an output signal indicative of the detected sound waves to a control unit. The control unit can determine that the output signal is indicative of a popping sound generated by popcorn kernels popping and control the energy source to stop providing energy to the cooking chamber based on the detected popping sounds.