Temperature probe systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking systems lack the capability to systematically produce complex meals with precision and speed, as they rely on human observation and manual temperature monitoring, and existing temperature probes face challenges such as dislodgment and unreliable feedback due to their design and connection methods.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature probe system with multiple sensing elements and an insertion aid, capable of transmitting real-time temperature data to a cooking appliance, which includes a heat adjustment algorithm to dynamically control heating elements based on temperature readings, ensuring accurate and precise cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional temperature probes are used with manual monitoring, then human intervention is required for observation and temperature checking, but this reduces cooking precision and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature feedback through multiple sensing elements that transmit real-time temperature data to a controller, enabling automated adjustment of heating elements based on actual food temperature readings, thereby maintaining high precision without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical temperature checking with electronic temperature sensing elements and wireless data transmission systems, substituting human observation and manual probe reading with automated electronic measurement and digital communication
2Reliability
If simple temperature probes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the probes are prone to dislodgment and provide unreliable feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature probe into multiple independent sensing elements distributed along the probe body, each capable of providing temperature readings from different locations, thereby improving reliability through redundancy while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensing elements, wireless communication components, and structural support features into an integrated probe assembly, merging previously separate functions into a unified device that improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensing elements are distributed along the probe body, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the probe body and electrical components to serve multiple functions: the probe body provides structural support and positioning, while also housing and protecting the electrical components and sensing elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the electrical components within the probe body structure, placing them between the sharp end and the temperature sensing elements, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that accommodates multiple functional elements without proportionally increasing external dimensions or complexity
4Strength
If electrical components are disposed in the probe body between the sharp end and temperature sensing elements, then the sensing elements are protected, but the probe body length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a probe body structure that acts as a protective shell or housing, enclosing the electrical components and sensing elements in a compact arrangement that provides protection without requiring excessive length, effectively using the probe body as a protective enclosure
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
The system enables the systematic production of complex meals with improved precision and speed by providing reliable temperature feedback, reducing human intervention and minimizing probe dislodgment through advanced data transmission and algorithmic control.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of temperature sensing elements distributed along a length of the probe body, electrical components operable to receive data signals from the plurality of temperature sensing elements
Implementation Method 2
The electrical components may include wireless components to facilitate communications with a host cooking appliance, and the temperature sensing elements may be used to measure temperature and communicate the temperature measurements via the wireless components to the host cooking appliance
Implementation Method 3
at least one heating element including one or more wavelength-controllable filament assemblies at one or more locations in the chamber
Implementation Method 4
a cooking engine operable to receive a continuous feed of temperature readings from the wireless temperature probe while executing a heat adjustment algorithm dynamically controlled in response to changes to the temperature readings
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature probe systems and methods include a probe body having a sharp end adapted to penetrate an edible substance, a plurality of temperature sensing elements distributed along a length of the probe body, electrical components operable to receive data signals from the plurality of temperature sensing elements, the electrical components disposed in the probe body between the sharp end and at least one of the temperature sensing elements, and an insertion aid. The electrical components may include wireless components to facilitate communications with a host cooking appliance, and the temperature sensing elements may be used to measure temperature and communicate the temperature measurements via the wireless components to the host cooking appliance. The insertion aid, the probe body, and the temperature sensing elements may include one or more heat resistant materials.