Wireless Multi-Sensor Temperature Probe for Automated Cooking Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking systems lack the ability 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
A wireless temperature probe system with multiple sensing elements and an insertion aid, capable of transmitting temperature data to a cooking appliance, which includes a cooking engine that adjusts heating based on real-time feedback to ensure precise cooking, and a cooking appliance with wavelength-controllable filaments and advanced sensors for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature probes are used, then the system is simple, but the reliability of temperature feedback is poor due to dislodgment and connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The temperature probe uses wireless transmitters to send temperature data to the cooking appliance, eliminating physical connections that are prone to dislodgment and failure. This substitution maintains reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature probe incorporates self-contained power and communication capabilities. The probe includes an integrated circuit, power source, and wireless transmitter that operate autonomously without requiring external wiring or mechanical connections to the cooking appliance, thereby improving reliability through self-sufficiency.
2Productivity
If manual monitoring is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the productivity and precision of cooking are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback control where the temperature probe continuously monitors the food temperature and transmits data to the cooking appliance's processor. The processor compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and automatically adjusts heating parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates manual monitoring while maintaining precision and improving cooking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooking appliance autonomously manages the cooking process by automatically adjusting heating elements based on real-time temperature feedback from the probe. The system performs self-regulation of cooking parameters without requiring skilled human intervention, thereby increasing productivity while simplifying operation for the user.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating elements are used, then the device is simple, but the manufacturing precision and temperature control accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system transitions from static, fixed-power heating elements to dynamic, controllable heating elements that can adjust their power output in real-time. The system uses pulse-width modulation (PWM) or similar techniques to dynamically control the heating element activation, enabling precise temperature control by varying the duty cycle based on feedback from the temperature probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the heating elements by controlling voltage, current, or power levels dynamically. The processor adjusts heating parameters such as power output, heating duration, and temperature setpoints based on real-time feedback, enabling precise temperature control through parameter optimization rather than relying on fixed, high-power heating elements.
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 systematic and precise cooking of complex meals with reduced human intervention, maintaining accurate temperature control and preventing over/undercooking by using advanced sensors and algorithms to adjust heating parameters dynamically.
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.