RF Energy Processing State Sensing Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack an effective method to monitor and control the processing state of objects during energy application, particularly in applications like cooking and chemical processing, where precise detection of states such as temperature, doneness, and chemical composition is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that applies radio frequency (RF) energy to detect processing states by correlating RF feedback with physical and chemical properties of objects, using a controller to adjust energy application based on received feedback, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of processing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RF energy is applied to process objects, then processing efficiency is improved, but the ability to monitor processing state in real-time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by applying RF energy to the object and analyzing the reflected or absorbed RF signals to determine processing state. The system continuously monitors changes in RF signal characteristics (such as impedance, reflection coefficient, or absorption) that correlate with physical or chemical changes in the object during processing, providing real-time feedback on processing state without interrupting the energy application.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensing methods are used to monitor processing state, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF energy application system multi-functional by using the same RF generation and detection infrastructure for both processing and sensing purposes. The RF transmitter serves dual roles: delivering processing energy to the object and simultaneously probing the object's state through signal analysis. This eliminates the need for separate sensing devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own RF energy application infrastructure to perform sensing functions. The RF signals used for processing inherently provide sensing capability through analysis of signal interactions with the object (reflection, absorption, transmission characteristics). This self-service approach allows the processing system to monitor its own effects on the object without external sensing equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to monitor different processing parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The RF sensing system serves multiple measurement functions through a single integrated approach. By analyzing different characteristics of the RF signal interaction with the object (impedance changes, resonance frequency shifts, absorption variations), the system can infer multiple processing parameters such as temperature, moisture content, density, or chemical composition changes, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors.
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 precise monitoring and control of processing states, ensuring consistent results in cooking and manufacturing by accurately detecting changes in objects' properties, such as temperature and doneness, and adjusting energy application accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
Changes that may occur in the object during processing may be referred to as a processing state of the object. Some examples of processing states of an object may include: a physical property of the object (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rate, phase(s) etc.), chemical property of the object
Implementation Method 2
One or more RF feedbacks received from the energy application zone, optionally in response to an RF energy application, may be correlated to one or more processing states of the object. The RF feedback may be monitored during the processing of the object in order to detect the one or more processing states of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying RF energy to detect a processing state of an object placed in an energy application zone, during processing of the object, may include applying RF energy to the object during processing. The method may also include receiving computed RF feedback, correlated with one or more processing states of the object; and monitoring the computed RF feedback during the processing to detect the one or more processing states of the object.