MOX Sensor Multi-Temperature Operation for Food Freshness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the freshness state of food in storage containers are inaccurate and rudimentary, leading to food waste as they only detect specific molecular compounds and not the overall gas mixture, which changes with the freshness state.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a MOX sensor with a temperature-varying operating mode to capture and analyze the gas mixture at multiple temperatures, allowing for precise determination of the food's freshness state by evaluating the gas mixture's composition and changes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a MOX sensor operates at a single fixed temperature to detect specific molecular compounds, then the sensor structure is simple and energy consumption is low, but the measurement precision and selectivity of freshness state determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning the MOX sensor from a static single-temperature operation mode to a dynamic multi-temperature operation mode. The sensor sequentially operates at multiple different temperatures (e.g., first temperature T1, second temperature T2, third temperature T3) during different measurement cycles. This dynamic temperature variation enables the sensor to detect different molecular compounds at different temperatures, thereby improving the precision of freshness state determination without requiring multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by varying the operating temperature parameter of the MOX sensor to achieve different detection sensitivities. By changing the temperature parameter from a fixed value to multiple variable values (T1, T2, T3), the sensor can selectively detect different molecular compounds that are indicative of different freshness states. This parameter variation resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision through temperature-dependent selectivity while maintaining a single sensor structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect different molecular compounds simultaneously, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making a single MOX sensor multi-functional through temperature variation. The same sensor can detect different molecular compounds (such as ammonia, esters, carboxylic acids, and sulfur compounds) by operating at different temperatures. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors while achieving comprehensive gas mixture analysis, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic temperature cycling to enable a single sensor to perform multiple detection functions. By sequentially operating at different temperatures (T1 for ammonia detection, T2 for ester detection, T3 for carboxylic acid detection), the sensor dynamically adapts its detection capability to identify various molecular compounds in the gas mixture, achieving multi-functional detection with a single device.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at multiple temperatures with multiple measurement cycles, then the selectivity and sensitivity improve, but the measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the periodic action principle by implementing cyclic temperature variation and repeated measurement cycles. The sensor operates in periodic cycles, sequentially transitioning through different temperatures (T1→T2→T3→T1...) and performing measurements at each temperature. This periodic operation allows comprehensive gas mixture analysis to be completed within a defined cycle time, balancing measurement precision with time efficiency. The periodic nature enables continuous monitoring while maintaining acceptable measurement duration.
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 approach provides a more accurate and precise assessment of food freshness, reducing waste by enabling timely consumption and improving the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor, allowing for the detection of various molecular components and temporal changes in the freshness state.
Implementation Method 1
a first operating temperature of at least one MOX sensor is set and at this first operating temperature a gas mixture in the storage container is captured by the MOX sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a method in which on the basis of sensor information of a MOX sensor (5) captured at different operating temperatures in different freshness state determination cycles a freshness state of a food (2) is determined. A further aspect relates to a method in which an additional information relating to a food (2) is determined. The invention also relates to a storage container (1), a computer program product (13), and a household cooling appliance (14).