Wireless Probe System for Sous Vide Core Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermometers, including wireless food thermometers, lack accuracy and detail in temperature monitoring for cooking and laboratory applications, especially in sous vide cooking, where precise core temperature measurement and automated control are challenging due to limitations in probe placement, power sources, and data transmission range.

Innovation Solution

A wireless probe system with multiple temperature sensors and a power-harvesting capability using RF or light energy, allowing for continuous temperature analysis and transmission without an onboard battery, enabling accurate core temperature determination and automated cooking control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional thermometer is used to monitor temperature in sous vide cooking, then temperature indication is provided, but the probe must pierce the sealed pouch which increases pathogen risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidpathogen risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless probe that communicates temperature data without physically piercing the sealed pouch. The probe is inserted through the cap of the pouch, maintaining the seal integrity while enabling wireless temperature monitoring. This intermediary approach allows temperature measurement while avoiding direct piercing of the food-containing sealed environment, thereby reducing pathogen risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a wireless food thermometer with a single sensing element is used, then wireless temperature display is provided, but accurate core temperature measurement requires expert probe placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless temperature displayVSAvoidcore temperature accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple temperature sensors distributed along the length of the probe rather than a single sensing element. This segmentation allows the system to capture temperature gradients within the food, enabling accurate determination of core temperature without requiring expert-level probe placement skills. The distributed sensors provide comprehensive temperature profiling throughout the cooking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If an onboard battery is used to power wireless communication in the probe, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but the battery creates safety concerns in elevated temperature cooking environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless data transmissionVSAvoidsafety risk in elevated temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements energy harvesting capability that allows the probe to draw power from the surrounding electromagnetic environment or thermal energy in the cooking environment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for an onboard battery, enabling wireless communication functionality while avoiding the safety hazards associated with batteries in high-temperature cooking environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If conventional thermometers provide passive temperature indication, then simple temperature display is achieved, but automated cooking control and detailed cooking guidance are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimple temperature displayVSAvoidautomated cooking control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where temperature data from multiple sensors is continuously transmitted wirelessly to a receiving device. The system provides automated cooking control by comparing real-time temperature readings against target temperatures and providing guidance on when to adjust cooking parameters or remove the food. This feedback mechanism enables detailed cooking guidance and automated control while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system provides reliable, battery-free wireless temperature monitoring and control, ensuring precise cooking results and reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking, while eliminating the need for precise probe placement and minimizing pathogen risk.

Implementation Method 1

A wireless probe system with multiple temperature sensors and a power-harvesting capability using RF or light energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A wireless probe system with multiple temperature sensors and a power-harvesting capability using RF or light energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight energy harvesting: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

A wireless probe system with multiple temperature sensors and a power-harvesting capability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS20240167885A1Method and assembly for a wireless probe and interrogator
Publication Date: 2024.05.23 PRESTON IND INC
  • US20240167885A1 patent drawing
  • US20240167885A1 patent drawing
  • US20240167885A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for the wireless interrogation of a body immersed in a circulatory bath or a tank for heating. More specifically, the system may include a probe having multiple sensors for gauging a core temperature associated with the immersed body in combination with one or more wireless connections leading to a controller (on a circulator or a user interface) such that the user can determine temperature information (e.g., core temperature) of the body being immersed.