Microwave Oven Temperature Sensing for Multi-Point Tray Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave ovens lack precise temperature measurement methods, leading to potential undercooking or overcooking of food, which results in inefficient cooking operations.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measuring apparatus is integrated into the microwave oven, comprising a driving unit and a sensing unit that rotates to measure temperatures at multiple points on a tray, with a control unit managing asynchronous rotation periods and temperature measurement patterns to ensure accurate cooking completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature measuring apparatus is added to the microwave oven, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measuring apparatus is integrated within the existing microwave oven structure. The sensing unit is positioned to measure temperature at multiple points on the tray, with the driving unit rotating the sensing unit to different angular positions. This nested integration allows temperature measurement functionality to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measuring apparatus serves multiple functions: it measures temperature at multiple spatial points on the tray, tracks temperature changes over time during cooking, and provides data for determining cooking completion. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive temperature monitoring capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature measurement points are measured, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving unit rotates the sensing unit to different angular positions in a periodic manner, measuring temperature at multiple points around the tray. By using periodic rotation rather than sequential measurement at each point, the system efficiently collects temperature data from multiple locations without excessive time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement process continues throughout the cooking operation without interruption. The sensing unit continuously measures temperature at different points on the tray while the tray rotates, ensuring that temperature monitoring is an ongoing process rather than a series of discrete time-consuming measurements.
3Measurement precision
If asynchronous rotation periods are used for the tray and temperature measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives temperature data from the sensing unit and uses feedback to determine when cooking is complete. The asynchronous rotation periods allow the sensing unit to measure temperature at different phases of tray rotation, providing comprehensive temperature data that feeds back to the control unit for accurate cooking completion determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, asynchronous rotation periods for the tray and temperature measurement rather than fixed synchronous timing. This dynamic approach allows flexible measurement scheduling that adapts to different cooking conditions, improving measurement precision while the control unit manages the complexity through software coordination.
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 allows for precise and stable temperature measurement, ensuring optimal cooking results by determining when food has reached the desired temperature, preventing undercooking or overcooking.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing unit configured to measure temperatures of a plurality of temperature measurement points provided at an upper side of a tray, by having a temperature measurement angle thereof changed through a rotation force of a driving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave oven includes a tray rotatably installed inside a cooking compartment, a temperature measuring apparatus comprising a driving unit configured to generate a rotation force, and a sensing unit configured to measure the temperatures of a plurality of temperature measurement points by having a temperature measurement angle changed by the rotation force of the driving unit; and a control unit configured to control the temperature measuring apparatus to measure the plurality of temperature measurement points provided at the upper side of the tray according to a predetermined temperature measurement pattern that provides a different pattern for successive rotation periods of the tray.