Wireless Food Thermometer with Dual-Sensor Cooking Stage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food thermometers, including wireless models, often provide inaccurate cooking information such as completion time and temperature adjustments, and have limited range and durability issues, especially when exposed to high temperatures and water.
Innovation Solution
A smart food thermometer with a wireless thermal sensor and antenna that transmits data to a portable device, featuring thermally sensitive electronics protected by the food and an ambient thermal sensor for accurate temperature measurement and cooking stage guidance, allowing for real-time cooking recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless food thermometers are used to provide convenient temperature display, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to limited transmission range and inability to provide accurate cooking information
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer is divided into two functional segments: a probe portion inserted into the food for accurate temperature sensing, and a separate display/processing unit that provides comprehensive cooking information. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving both convenience and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring temperature changes and automatically calculating cooking stage, completion time, and resting temperature rise. This feedback mechanism provides accurate, real-time cooking guidance without requiring manual interpretation by the user.
2Measurement precision
If conventional food thermometers are used to monitor temperature, then measurement function is provided, but loss of information occurs as they cannot predict completion time or provide cooking stage guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations based on initial temperature readings to predict completion time, resting temperature rise, and optimal cooking stages before the cooking process is complete. This allows users to plan ahead and make informed decisions about when to adjust temperature or remove food.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous temperature monitoring combined with algorithmic processing provides real-time feedback about cooking progress, predicting when the food will be done and what stage it is currently in, thereby preventing information loss about the cooking process.
3Volume of moving object
If wireless thermometers are designed with compact enclosures to conserve space, then device size is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to limited range and vulnerability to high temperatures and water
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer uses a waterproof, heat-resistant protective enclosure that can withstand high temperatures and water exposure while maintaining a compact size. This protective shell allows the device to be placed directly in the cooking environment without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wireless communication as an intermediary to transmit temperature data from the probe to the display unit, eliminating the need for long physical cables and allowing compact design while maintaining reliable data transmission throughout the cooking area.
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 solution provides accurate completion time and resting temperature rise predictions, enabling precise cooking control and improved cooking results by using dual-sensor technology and wireless communication, while withstanding high temperatures and water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the food
Implementation Method 2
an antenna in communication with the electronics and configured to wirelessly transmit data based on the detected temperature of the food
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature data is wirelessly received from a food thermometer inserted into food. A remaining time for cooking the food is estimated based at least in part on the received temperature data. The progression of a recipe to at least two new stages is indicated on a user interface based on the received temperature data. According to one aspect, the food thermometer includes a thermal sensor configured to measure an internal temperature of the food or an ambient temperature adjacent the food. It is determined that the indicated temperature measured by the thermal sensor increased by at least a threshold value from a previously indicated temperature wirelessly received from the food thermometer, and the progression of the recipe is indicated on the user interface to a new cooking stage.