Cooking device comprising a removable sensor module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking appliances with integrated cameras are limited by the camera's temperature tolerance, restricting operating modes such as high-temperature pyrolytic self-cleaning due to exposure to oven heat.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly removable optical sensor module with a housing, cooling device, and data transmission capabilities, allowing operation below critical temperatures and safe removal during high-temperature modes, featuring a handle for easy user removal without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is integrated into the cooking appliance and exposed to high temperatures, then the sensor can detect food properties during cooking, but the maximum operating temperature is limited by the camera's temperature tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is segmented into a separate removable module that can be detached from the cooking appliance. This allows the sensor module to be isolated from the high-temperature cooking environment while still performing its detection function when attached at lower temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module's attachment state is made dynamic rather than fixed. The module can be attached when the appliance is cool or at low temperatures for food detection, and removed when temperatures rise above the sensor's tolerance threshold, enabling adaptive temperature management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor module is made removable for high-temperature operation, then pyrolytic self-cleaning becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor functionality is segmented into a separate module that attaches to the appliance rather than being permanently integrated. This modular approach allows the main appliance to remain simple while adding sensor capability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is designed to be self-contained with its own housing, mounting features, and removal mechanisms. Users can attach and detach the module without requiring tools or complex installation procedures, making the system easy to service and adapt.
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 the cooking appliance to operate across a wide temperature range, including pyrolytic self-cleaning, while protecting the sensor module from excessive heat and allowing data transmission for food property evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor module is equipped with a cooling device, and/or the sensor module is located within the effective range of the active cooling system of the cooking appliance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooking appliance having a cooking chamber for cooking a product and an optical sensor module for detecting the properties of the product. The sensor module can be reversibly removed.