Wireless Sensor Probe Powered by Microwave Turntable
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave ovens with side wall-mounted temperature sensors are limited by the inhibition of turntable rotation, making it difficult to monitor food characteristics during cooking, especially in microwave settings where even cooking is essential.
Innovation Solution
A probe powered by the rotating turntable assembly, which includes a generator or axle, allows for wireless or wired transmission of environmental condition measurements, enabling the turntable to rotate freely while monitoring temperature or moisture levels within the cooking cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wired temperature sensor is mounted on the side wall of the microwave oven, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but the turntable rotation is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection system with a wireless communication system. The probe measures temperature and transmits data wirelessly to the control board, eliminating the physical wire that prevented turntable rotation while maintaining temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the side wall mounting system and relocates it to the turntable assembly. The probe is now powered by the turntable's motor through integrated electrical contacts, separating the measurement function from the restrictive wired connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If a probe is wired to a side wall connection for power and data transmission, then environmental condition monitoring is enabled, but the cooking process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex wired connection system with wireless communication technology. The probe communicates environmental condition data to the control board via wireless signals, dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The turntable assembly is given multiple functions: it continues to rotate food for even cooking while also serving as the power supply and data transmission system for the probe through integrated electrical contacts and wireless communication
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 measurement and adjustment of cooking conditions without restricting the turntable's rotation, ensuring even cooking and maintaining preset temperatures or moisture levels, including sous vide cooking applications.
Implementation Method 1
the turntable assembly includes a generator that is powered by rotation of the turntable assembly
Implementation Method 2
the probe is configured to measure an environmental condition during a cooking cycle
Implementation Method 3
a wireless transmitter in communication with the probe and an antenna coupled to the wireless transmitter to transmit the signal regarding the environmental condition to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave oven is described herein. In some instances, such a microwave oven may include a housing; a rotating turntable assembly disposed in a cooking cavity of the housing; a probe powered by the turntable assembly, where the probe is configured to measure an environmental condition during a cooking cycle and where the probe is configured to transmit a signal regarding the environmental condition; and a controller disposed in the housing and configured to receive the signal regarding the environmental condition from the probe. A method of operating a microwave oven for sous vide cooking is also disclosed.