Wireless Thermometer with Segmented Probe for Continuous Cooking Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermometers used for cooking cannot continuously monitor food temperature due to temperature limitations and require frequent insertion and removal, leading to heat loss and potential overcooking, and existing solutions with electrical wires are cumbersome and unsuitable for closed or rotating cooking vessels.

Innovation Solution

A wireless thermometer using Bluetooth Low Energy technology that continuously monitors internal and ambient temperatures, transmitting data to a communication device for remote monitoring, with efficient power management and notification features to prevent overcooking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an electronic thermometer is used to measure food temperature, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but the thermometer cannot withstand high cooking temperatures and must be periodically removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewithstand temperatureVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermometer is divided into two separate units: a temperature probe that can withstand high temperatures and remains in the food, and a control unit with electronics that operates at lower temperatures. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal temperature range, enabling continuous monitoring without damage to electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the temperature probe and control unit, transmitting temperature data without requiring physical connection. This eliminates the need for temperature-resistant wiring and allows the electronic components to remain outside the high-temperature cooking environment while still receiving continuous data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the control unit is placed outside the cooking vessel and connected via electrical wire, then temperature measurement is possible, but the system becomes cumbersome and cannot be used in closed or rotating vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability in closed/rotating vesselsVSAvoidwire connection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical wire connection is replaced with a wireless communication system using radio frequency transmission. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of wired connections, allowing the thermometer to be used in closed vessels, rotating vessels, and any configuration where wire placement would be problematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the thermometer is periodically inserted and removed to check temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but heat is lost and cooking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooking efficiencyVSAvoidheat loss during measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature probe remains continuously inserted in the food throughout the cooking process, providing uninterrupted temperature monitoring. This continuous presence eliminates the need to remove the thermometer for measurements, preventing heat loss and maintaining consistent cooking conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 continuous, accurate temperature monitoring of food without heat loss, allowing for precise cooking control and remote access, while being durable enough to withstand high cooking temperatures and suitable for various cooking environments.

Implementation Method 1

measuring temperature of cooking food using the thermometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

transmitting measured temperature data from the thermometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10801897B2Thermometer and temperature monitoring system

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 GRANDEX INT CORP

AI summary

A temperature monitoring system includes a thermometer and a first communication device. The thermometer counts a monitoring time, executes a measuring procedure to acquire a first temperature value and a second temperature value to determine whether to wirelessly broadcast a temperature information signal, and executes a time interval producing procedure after the measuring procedure to determine a time interval and to determine whether the measuring procedure is terminated. The first communication device receives the temperature information signal from the thermometer. The user may remotely monitor the temperature of a monitored object through the first communication device.