Wireless Multi-Point Temperature Sensing for Kettle Mixing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement methods in cooking kettles are unreliable when food is not mixed properly, leading to compromised quality and safety, as sensors placed on the sides of the kettle may not accurately reflect the temperature of the food contents.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature sensor system with multiple temperature sensor elements mounted radially at different distances from the rotation axle and bottom of the mixer tool within the kettle, allowing for accurate multipoint temperature measurement and wireless data transmission to a control processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed on the sides of the kettle, then the measurement system is simple to install, but the temperature measurement becomes unreliable when food is not mixed properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple sensor elements (first, second, and third temperature sensor elements) positioned at different locations within the kettle. This segmentation allows each sensor to monitor specific zones, improving overall measurement reliability without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point temperature measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by positioning sensor elements at different heights and radial distances from the rotation axle. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive temperature monitoring throughout the food volume, ensuring accurate measurements even when mixing is insufficient.
2Reliability
If multiple temperature sensor elements are positioned at different locations, then temperature measurement reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer tool serves multiple functions: it mixes the food and simultaneously supports the temperature sensor elements during mixing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature measurement function with the existing mixer tool structure. The sensor elements are integrated into the mixer assembly, merging two functions (mixing and temperature monitoring) into a single integrated system, which improves reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used for temperature data, then ease of operation improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmitter operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting temperature data at intervals or when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This periodic operation maintains ease of data access while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
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
Ensures reliable and accurate temperature measurement directly from the food product, enhancing food safety and quality by preventing bacterial growth and optimizing cooking processes, while reducing energy consumption and cleaning risks.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the temperature within the vessel at least at two points set radially at a distance from the rotation axle of the mixer tool and at different distances from the bottom of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitter, a sensor element setup connected to the wireless transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, kettle and temperature sensor for measuring temperature in a kettle. The method comprises a heatable vessel formed by a bottom (16) and a wall (17) and a mixer tool (3) mounted in the vessel and having a rotation axle (18) in the middle of the vessel, the method comprising providing a temperature sensor, comprising a wireless transmitter (5), a sensor element setup (11, 12, 13, 14) connected to the wireless transmitter (5), comprising at least two temperature sensor elements, a sensor body (10) for the sensor element setup (11, 12, 13, 14), mountable to the mixing tool (3) so that at least the temperature sensor elements (11, 12, 13) are set radially at a distance from the rotation axle (18) of the mixer tool (3) and at different distances from the bottom (16) of the vessel and measuring the temperature within the vessel at least at two points set radially at a distance from the rotation axle of the mixer tool and at different distances from the bottom (16) of the vessel.