Wireless Multi-Sensor Temperature Probe for Reliable Cooking Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooking systems lack the capability to systematically produce complex meals with precision and speed, as they rely on manual monitoring and skilled human intervention, and existing temperature probes face challenges such as dislodgment and unreliable feedback due to their design and connection methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adaptive cooking system with wireless temperature probes that include multiple sensors along their length, an insertion aid, and heat-resistant materials, allowing for precise temperature measurement and communication with a cooking appliance to execute a heat adjustment algorithm, ensuring accurate cooking without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature probe is inserted into food to measure temperature, then temperature feedback is obtained, but the probe may become dislodged or provide unreliable feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe is divided into multiple sensing elements distributed along its length, with each element providing independent temperature measurements at different positions. This segmentation allows the system to track temperature gradients and determine probe orientation and depth, preventing dislodgment issues while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An insertion aid component acts as an intermediary between the probe body and the food, providing visual guidance and depth control during insertion. This intermediary element ensures proper probe placement and maintains consistent contact with the food, eliminating unreliable feedback caused by improper insertion.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensing elements are distributed along the probe body, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple temperature sensing elements serve multiple functions: they provide precise temperature measurements at different depths, determine probe insertion depth, track probe orientation, and detect probe position relative to the food. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement capabilities from a single probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe combines multiple temperature sensing elements, electrical components, and insertion aid features into a single integrated structure. By merging these functions into one unified device, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring multiple separate instruments, thereby managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are disposed in the probe body between the sharp end and temperature sensing elements, then wireless communication is enabled, but heat resistance becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure creates distinct thermal zones: the sharp end and temperature sensing elements are positioned to remain in cooler regions during insertion, while the electrical components are strategically disposed in intermediate positions. This local quality differentiation allows electronic components to operate in relatively cooler zones while the sensing elements measure temperatures in the food, resolving the heat resistance challenge for wireless communication components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion aid and probe body structure provide thermal protection to electrical components before they are exposed to high temperatures. By designing the probe with proper component placement and thermal barriers, the system cushions electrical components from extreme heat exposure, enabling wireless communication functionality to operate reliably in high-temperature cooking environments.
4Manufacturing precision
If an insertion aid is added to the probe, then probe insertion accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion aid incorporates pre-marked depth indicators and alignment features that guide proper probe insertion before the cooking process begins. By providing preliminary visual cues and mechanical guides during insertion, the system ensures accurate probe placement without requiring complex post-insertion adjustments or sophisticated manufacturing processes, balancing precision with manufacturability.
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 the systematic production of complex meals with precision and speed by providing reliable temperature feedback, preventing dislodgment of probes and ensuring consistent cooking results through dynamic heat adjustment based on real-time temperature readings.
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
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.