Battery-Free NFC Sensor Probe for High-Temperature Food Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless meat probes face challenges such as large chip size leading to a large diameter, the need for batteries, and limited ability to monitor temperature at different depths or with multiple probes, while also needing to operate in high oven temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A battery-free wireless sensor probe with a near-field communication (NFC) RFID device and a high-temperature circuit board, powered by RF energy harvesting, allowing for a small diameter and accurate temperature monitoring at various depths, using a miniaturized NFC chip and antenna configuration that can withstand oven temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth chips are used for wireless communication, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but the chip size becomes large resulting in a large probe diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication technology parameter from Bluetooth to NFC (Near Field Communication), which uses significantly smaller chips. This parameter change enables wireless communication while reducing the probe diameter to fit within the required constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the Bluetooth wireless communication system with an NFC system that uses magnetic field coupling instead of radio waves. This substitution allows for a much smaller antenna and chip size, reducing the overall probe volume while maintaining wireless functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are included in the probe, then continuous operation is enabled, but the probe requires charging and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The probe automatically harvests energy from the NFC reader's electromagnetic field during communication, eliminating the need for separate battery charging operations. The system serves itself by converting communication signals into operational energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function and power supply function into a single NFC interaction. The same NFC reader that enables wireless communication also provides power through energy harvesting, reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single temperature probe is used, then the system is simple, but temperature monitoring at different depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC reader is designed to communicate with multiple probes simultaneously, making it a universal interface that can handle single or multiple probe configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different monitoring needs without changing the basic architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple spatial positions by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple probes at different depths. Instead of limiting to a single probe, the system expands to monitor temperature across multiple dimensions of the food item.
4Use of energy by moving object
If standard NFC chips are used, then wireless power harvesting is enabled, but the chip may not withstand high oven temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter specification of the NFC chip, selecting components rated for high-temperature operation (withstanding oven temperatures). This parameter change ensures reliability while maintaining energy harvesting functionality in the oven environment.
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 reliable, battery-free, and cost-effective temperature monitoring within food at different depths, ensuring safe cooking while eliminating battery-related safety concerns and allowing for energy-efficient oven temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor probe harvests energy from a near field communication radio frequency transmitter positioned near the sensor probe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A battery-free sensor probe 10 and system for measuring the temperature of food. The sensor probe 10 includes a probe portion 12 and a handle 14. The probe portion 12 has a temperature sensor 18, a circuit board 16 and a radio frequency identification device 20. The handle 14 has an antenna 26 connected to the radio frequency identification device 20 and the circuit board 16. The sensor probe 10 harvests energy from a radio frequency transmitter 34 positioned near the sensor probe 10.