Optical Sensor Element for Microwave Faraday Cage Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave devices with Faraday cages for shielding microwave radiation prevent the use of classic wireless sensors, as these sensors cannot function within the shielded environment, limiting the ability to monitor and control cooking processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element with sensor cells and a data transmitter that uses optical signals in the visible or infrared range to transmit data through a transparent section of the Faraday cage, allowing for the measurement of comestible properties and control of microwave devices without interfering with the microwave radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a Faraday cage is used to shield microwave radiation, then microwave radiation is prevented from exiting the cooking chamber, but classic wireless sensors cannot function inside the cooking chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical signal as an intermediary carrier to transmit sensor data from inside the Faraday cage to the outside. The sensor element converts measured comestible properties into optical signals that can penetrate the Faraday cage shielding, enabling data transmission without compromising microwave radiation protection or sensor functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wireless electromagnetic signal transmission with optical signal transmission. This substitution allows data to be transmitted through the Faraday cage using light-based signals that are not blocked by the microwave shielding, thereby maintaining both radiation protection and sensor operation
2Device complexity
If a single sensor cell is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously measure property values at multiple points is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor cells into a single integrated sensor element that can simultaneously measure property values at multiple spatial points. This merging approach maintains measurement precision across multiple locations while presenting a unified structure that simplifies integration into the microwave device
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 simultaneous measurement of comestible properties at multiple points, providing a realistic assessment of cooking conditions and allowing for precise control of microwave devices, ensuring uniform heating and improved cooking quality.
Implementation Method 1
a data transmitter that uses optical signals in the visible or infrared range to transmit data through a transparent section of the Faraday cage
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor cell for detecting property values of a comestible
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor element (1) for a microwave device (2), comprising at least one sensor cell (3) for detecting property values of the comestibles (4) and a data transmitter (5), and the data transmitter (5) is set up to transmit data from an inside of a cooking chamber (6) of a microwave device (2), defined by an shielding member preventing a microwave radiation from exiting the cooking chamber (6) from the inside to an outside, to a control unit (7) arranged on the outside of the cooking chamber. The sensor element (1) is characterised in particular by the fact that the sensor element (1) is suitable for simultaneously measuring respective property values of the comestibles (4) at spaced measuring points (8). The sensor element, the microwave design and the method shown here make it possible to detect property values of comestibles within the microwave device and use them for a user-friendly and high quality preparation of a comestible.