Self-Powered Food Thermometer Probe for Wide-Range Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food thermometers are limited in measuring temperatures outside the range of 200°C to -70°C and require an external power source, making them unsuitable for independent temperature measurement during food preparation across various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electric piercing food thermometer with a heat-conducting probe and energy converter that generates electrical power using temperature differences, allowing for self-sustaining operation and wireless temperature transmission, while maintaining a thermally insulating handle for easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an external power source is used to operate the food thermometer, then the thermometer can function continuously, but the device complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The food thermometer generates its own electrical power through a thermoelectric generator that converts temperature differences between the food and ambient environment into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or batteries, resolving the contradiction between power independence and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical power sources (batteries, motors) with a thermoelectric conversion system that directly transforms thermal energy into electrical energy. This substitution enables autonomous operation without complex power management systems
2Measurement precision
If the measuring probe is made of good heat-conducting material, then temperature measurement is more accurate, but heat loss to the handle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple sections with different thermal conductivity materials. The measuring tip uses high thermal conductivity material for accurate temperature sensing, while the upper portion transitions to lower conductivity materials to minimize heat loss to the handle, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and heat loss
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the probe have different thermal properties optimized for their specific functions. The measurement tip has high thermal conductivity for accurate sensing, while the shaft and handle interface have reduced thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss, creating local quality variations that resolve the contradiction
3Temperature
If the thermometer is designed for high temperature resistance, then it can withstand oven conditions, but it cannot measure very low temperatures in freezers
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric generator and temperature sensor are designed to operate across a wide temperature range from -70°C to 400°C, allowing the same device to function in both freezer and oven environments. This universal design resolves the contradiction between high-temperature resistance and low-temperature measurement capability
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 accurate temperature measurement across a broader range without external power, improving operational efficiency and convenience during food preparation by harnessing thermal energy for power generation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter that converts a temperature difference into an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a heat conductor that is thermally connected to the energy converter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric probe food thermometer (1) with an elongated probe (5), with a temperature sensor inside the probe (5), with an energy converter (10) that can generate an electric current from a temperature difference, with a heat conductor (8) that is thermally connected to the energy converter (10), wherein the heat conductor (8) leads out of the probe (5) when the energy converter (10) is arranged inside the probe (5) and the heat conductor (8) leads into the probe (5) when the energy converter (10) is arranged inside the probe (5).