Electronic stove and universal power supply

Abstract

An electronic stove includes a cylindrical outer housing (14) and a concentric copper heater core (80). A foil heater (84) surrounds the copper heater core, and a heater control PCB (72) carried in the outer housing is connected to the foil heater. A battery assembly (40) has a cylindrical second housing (42) carrying a battery pack (44). A power supply controller (70) carried in the second housing is connected to the battery pack. A connector cradle (52) is engaged between the battery assembly and the cylindrical outer housing, extends through the housing of the battery assembly, and is received in the cylindrical outer housing in alignment adjacent a lower surface of the first housing, whereby the lower surface of the first housing and the lower surface of the second housing are planarly aligned. A first set of contacts (74) of a connector are connected to the heater control PCB. A second set of contacts (76) are connected to the power supply controller.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of patent application CN201980074212.5, filed on September 19, 2019, entitled "Electronic Stove and Universal Power Supply," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The parent application is PCT / US2019 / 051969, filed on September 19, 2019, and entered the Chinese national phase. That international application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 734,220, filed on September 20, 2018, entitled "ELECTRONIC STOVE AND UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. background Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to portable cooking systems, and more specifically to an integrated heating dish and battery assembly. Background Technology

[0006] When operating in remote locations, a camping stove or backpack stove is very useful when other cooking appliances are unavailable. Propane or butane heating systems are available, providing enough heat to boil water or generally heat meals with a high liquid content. However, open flames always pose a potential hazard.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device that has the ability to heat liquids and meals with high liquid content, and is easy to carry and does not use a flame heater. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments disclosed herein overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an electric furnace (E-furnace) comprising a liquid container and heater system (LCHS) having a substantially cylindrical housing and a copper heater core concentrically received within the housing. A foil heater is concentrically received around the copper heater core, and a heater control PCB is carried within the housing and operatively connected to the foil heater. A battery assembly has a substantially cylindrical second housing and a battery pack carried within the second housing. A power controller printed circuit board (PCPCB) is carried within the second housing and operatively connected to the battery pack. A connector bracket extending from the battery assembly near the lower surface of the second housing is adapted to be engaged between the battery assembly and the liquid container and heater system in an operating mode. The connector bracket removably extends through a first opening in the second cylindrical housing of the battery assembly and is received through a second opening in the first cylindrical housing of the liquid container and heater system. The second aperture is located near the lower surface of the first housing and aligned with the first aperture, thereby ensuring that the lower surfaces of the first and second housings are planarly aligned. The first contact group is carried by and operatively connected to the heater control PCB. The second contact group of the connector is carried by the connector bracket and operatively connected to the power controller printed circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figures 1A to 1D Graphical representation of furnace E in non-operating mode;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a left-side view of furnace E in operation mode;

[0012] Figure 3A This is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal components of the liquid container and heater system (LCHS) and the battery system;

[0013] Figure 3B This is an end view of the E-furnace in operation mode, taken through the battery assembly;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a side view of the LCHS.

[0015] Figure 5A This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the CU heater core joint in LCHS;

[0016] Figure 5BThis is another detailed cross-sectional view of the foil heater and insulation installation around the heater core;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the connecting elements of furnace E in operation mode;

[0018] Figures 7A to 7D This is a detailed representation of the connector bracket in multiple different locations;

[0019] Figure 7E This is a detailed representation of the connector bracket where the pinion handle is in the extended unlocked position;

[0020] Figure 8A It is a graphic representation of a stirrer;

[0021] Figure 8B It is a detailed representation of the interface between the rod and the blades in a mixer;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of the components on a power controller printed circuit board (PCPCB).

[0023] Figures 10-1 to 10-2 This is a flowchart of PCPCB operations;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of the heater control PCB; and,

[0025] Figures 12-1 to 12-3 This is a flowchart of the operation of the heater control PCB. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein provide a battery-powered electric furnace (“E-furnace”) having an integrated liquid container and heater system, as well as a battery assembly, both having a substantially cylindrical form factor. This allows for storage in a water bottle holder within a backpack and improves upright stability when power is supplied to the heating system in a second operating mode where the battery system is laterally engaged with the liquid container. The heating system and battery assembly have a rotatable connector that allows for axial attachment in other storage scenarios (such as boats, cars, airplanes, or homes) when it is desired to maintain the connection between the two units except in the operating mode.

[0027] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Furnace 10 in a first non-operating storage mode is shown. A liquid container and heater system 12 has a first cylindrical housing 14 with screws on a cover 16. The cover 16 may include a flip cap 18 rotatable about a first hinge 20. A locking clamp 22 rotatable about a second hinge 24. In the closed position (best seen...) Figure 1AThe locking clamp 22 presses down on the flip cap 18, and the legs 26 of the locking clamp engage the brakes 28, which lock the locking clamp and the flip cap in the closed position. Figure 1C The flip-top cap 18 and locking clip 22 are shown in the open position. The agitator actuator handle 30 (described in more detail later) is received through a cavity 32 in the flip-top cap 18. The heater control and indicator panel 34 is disposed in a recess 36 near the bottom of the first cylindrical housing 14. In an exemplary embodiment, "buttons" 33 and 35 are molded into a transparent rubber film, which is fitted into a cavity within a raised portion of the control and indicator panel 34. A tri-color LED 1116 (as described later) Figure 11 The described LED is positioned behind the membrane and is used to convey information about the heater settings and heater status by changing the color and flashing rate of the LED.

[0028] The battery assembly 40 has a second cylindrical housing 42 having a diameter substantially identical to that of the first cylindrical housing 14, and is axially engaged with the first cylindrical housing via a rotatable connector 38 (described in more detail later). The battery assembly 40 includes a battery pack 44. Figure 3A and Figure 3B (as shown in the image), and has a USB power output port 45 behind the openable cover 46. Universal charger power input jack 48 (see image). Figure 3B It is housed behind the second openable cover 50.

[0029] In non-operating mode, when the battery assembly 40 is engaged with the liquid container and heater system 12 in an axially aligned manner using the rotatable connector 38, the provided cylindrical shape factor allows the entire furnace 10 to be connected to keep the components together.

[0030] The battery assembly 40 can be removed from the rotatable connector 38 for individual unit storage and for lateral engagement with the liquid container and heater system 12 to put the furnace 10 into an operating mode (such as...). Figure 2(As shown). Connector bracket 52 extends from battery assembly 40 near the first portion 54a of rotatable connector 38 and is engaged between battery assembly 40 and liquid container and heater system 12. Connector bracket 52 extends through a first aperture 56 in the second cylindrical housing 42 of battery assembly 40 and is received near the second portion 54b of rotatable connector 38 through a second aperture 58 in the first cylindrical housing 14 of liquid container and heater system 12. In operating mode, the outer surfaces 54a and 55b of the first and second portions 54a are planar aligned to allow the furnace to remain upright on a flat surface. In non-operating mode, the first aperture 56 and the second aperture 58 are closed by plugs 60 and 62, respectively (see...). Figure 1B and Figure 1D The battery locking clamp 64 extends rotatably from the first cylindrical housing 14 and is received in a locking recess 66 in the second cylindrical housing 42, away from the first portion 54a and close to the free surface 68 of the second cylindrical housing 42. In operating mode, the connector bracket 52 and the battery locking clamp 64 securely engage the battery assembly 40 with the liquid container and heater system 12. In this configuration, the battery assembly 40 provides a stabilizer for the liquid container and heater system 12, allowing the furnace 10 to remain upright with high stability without additional support when in operating mode.

[0031] As in Figure 3A and Figure 3B As seen, battery assembly 40 includes a universal power controller printed circuit board (PCPCB) 70 interconnected with battery pack 44 and universal power input jack 48. PCPCB 70 is connected to heater control PCB 72 in LCHS 12 via connector bracket 52. For an exemplary embodiment, the Anderson connector, having a first contact group 74 carried on the heater control PCB and a second contact group 76 carried in connector bracket 52, provides both power and mechanical interlocking.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cells in battery pack 44 are arranged around a pair of spacers that position eight battery cells in a circular pattern and position a ninth battery cell at the center. This produces a nominal 34V output under load in a very tight circular shape. The spacers have channel holes, which allow battery cell tap wires to be attached through these channel holes to a battery protection PCB (BPPCB) 73 that is screwed into the bottom spacers. This configuration allows the battery pack and BPPCB to be manufactured and shipped as components.

[0033] LCHS 12 includes a copper core 80 with a robust bottom 82 to contain the liquid carried in the first cylindrical outer casing 14, such as... Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 As seen in the image. Multi-layered Kapton TM The heater and insulation 84 are concentrically wrapped around the copper core 80 in a compartment 86 between the copper heater core 80 and the first cylindrical outer casing 14. (Kapton with adhesive backing) TM The etched foil heater, along with the associated surrounding aluminum foil layer, ceramic paper layer, aluminum foil layer, and shrink wrapping layer (described in more detail later), is attached to the side of the copper core.

[0034] like Figure 5A As seen, the copper core 80 has a curled lip 88, which is received on the top edge 90 of the first cylindrical housing 14. The first cylindrical housing 14 is divided into two parts to allow for the encapsulation of multiple layers of Kapton. TM The copper core 80 of the foil heater and insulation 84 is inserted into the proper position of the first half of the housing, which has a sealing neck 92 terminating at the top edge 90. The second half of the housing is then joined along the bisecting line. The copper core hangs over the edge of the first cylindrical housing, further isolating the heating core from the plastic housing. The neck 92 is threaded to receive the cover 16. A gasket 94 in the cover 16 abuts against the curled lip 88 of the copper core 80 for sealing. Figure 5B Details of the foil heater and insulation 84 are shown. (Kapton) TM Heater layer 85a is wrapped immediately adjacent to copper heater core 80, and inner aluminum reflector 85b faces radially outward. Ceramic paper insulation 85c is the next radially outward layer, and outer aluminum reflector 85d wraps around the outside of ceramic paper insulation. Shrink wrap seal 85e encapsulates the internal components of foil heater and insulation 84.

[0035] This configuration seals the heater compartment to prevent water penetration, which would dissolve the ceramic paper adhesive. This is achieved through a clamping gasket at the edge of the cover-outer shell and a shrink wrap that seals the heater foil and insulation against the copper wall. A small opening 91 at the bottom of the heater compartment (see...) Figure 3A This allows two heater wires and four thermistor wires to exit the compartment. The opening 91 is sealed with silicone sealant, as is the case with the underside to the top edge 90 of the curled lip 88. The copper heater core 80 has two recesses 93 near the curled lip 88. The recesses 93 engage with two protrusions 95 on the first cylindrical housing. The recesses 93 prevent the copper core from moving up and down, and also prevent the copper core from rotating. Either of these movements risks damaging the connecting wires and would expose the interior of the heating compartment to potential moisture contamination. The silicone sealant and the recesses work together to keep the core stationary as friction is applied to the copper heater core 80 as the cover gasket is tightened downwards against the outwardly turned-out copper core curled lip 88.

[0036] like Figure 6 As seen, the connector bracket 52 has a connector carrier 96, which is attached to the translation body 98, as... Figures 7A to 7D As shown in detail. The translation body 98 includes a rack 100 operably engaged with a pinion 102. A rotary handle 104 extends from the pinion 102. A bracket top cover 106 secures the first contact assembly 76 of the connector to the connector carrier 96. The rotary handle 104 has a shaft 108 translatably carried in a pinion washer 110, which is received in a collar 111 within the second cylindrical housing 42. The shaft 108 translates axially within the pinion washer 110 between a first engaged position and a second locked position. In the locked position of the connector carrier 52 in a retracted, non-operating mode (see example). Figure 7B In this configuration, the tab 112 on the handle 104 is received in the retractable locking groove 114 in the translation body 98. In this position, the connector bracket is locked in the retracted position, and the handle 104 is restricted from rotation. Figure 7E As shown, the handle 104 translates axially outward through the pinion washer 110 to retract the tab 112 from the retraction lock groove 114, thereby allowing the handle 104 and the pinion 102 to rotate to drive the rack 100 to extend the connector bracket 52. Figure 7C and Figure 7D As shown, after reaching the extended position, the handle 104 translates axially inward to engage the tab 112 in the extended locking groove 116, thereby locking the connector bracket 52 in the extended position to allow interconnection between the battery assembly 40 and the LCHS 12 in operating mode. The handle 104, handle shaft 108, and pinion 102 are configured such that when the handle is fully pulled outward, the locking tab extends beyond the recess at the bottom of the battery housing, allowing the handle to rotate freely between selectable locked positions. The pinion is larger than the shaft opening to prevent the handle from being pulled off entirely. Furthermore, the height of the pinion 102 (smaller than the height of the rack 100) remains engaged with the rack regardless of whether the handle is pulled out or pushed in. The pinion washer 110 surrounding the pinion shaft 108 in the ring 111 (and the tab 112 engaged in the retracted position) provides a waterproof seal and sufficient friction to prevent the pinion shaft from dislodging when operating the battery system 40.

[0037] When connector bracket 52 is in the extended position, contact switch 118 (see...) Figure 6 The microswitch disengages from the protrusion 120 on the top cover 106 of the bracket. When engaged (when the bracket is in the retracted position), the microswitch disables both the USB output circuitry and the charger input circuitry on the battery system PCB, but does not disable power from the battery pack 44 to the connector mounted in the bracket.

[0038] As previously mentioned, a universal power charger input jack 48 is provided for the battery assembly 40. The battery charger controller section of the PCPCB 70 adopts... Figure 9 The boost converter 902 shown, in an exemplary embodiment, is based on TI's LM5022 boost converter topology. Regarding... Figure 10-1 and Figure 10-2 The described microprocessor-based enhancement allows the microprocessor 904 to override the standard maximum current control circuitry of the boost converter based on the observed input voltage measured by the voltage sensor 906 and the subsequent performance of the input voltage under load.

[0039] Step 1001: Any form of DC source that can provide an input voltage ranging from 9VDC to 24VDC can be connected to the universal power charger input jack 48. Four basic example sources are: a constant and fixed voltage source (example: a car nominal 12V power port), a current-limited DC voltage source (example: a wall socket power supply or desktop power supply), a current-limited DC source (example: a solar cell array), or a raw half-wave rectified AC source (example: a simple 50 / 60Hz AC transformer).

[0040] Step 1002: The microprocessor initially reads the connector bracket sensor switch 118 to determine if the bracket is in the extended position; and Step 1003: If so, the charger 902 circuit, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 906 circuit, and microprocessor 904 circuit are activated. Step 1004: The initial charging current PWM is set to zero. Step 1005: The ADC voltage detector circuit 906 is read to determine the open-circuit VCHG voltage source, and the value is stored in a register. The microprocessor ignores DC voltages below 9VDC or above 24VDC and returns to step 1001. When the microprocessor detects a voltage between 9VDC and 24VDC (step 1006), an internal status flag is set based on the measured value (step 1008). If the voltage is below 18.5V on the first measurement (under zero current load), the microprocessor assumes the source is a current-limited constant voltage source (step 1010). Step 1012: If the voltage is above this level, the microprocessor assumes the source is a constant current source (i.e., solar energy). If subsequent performance does not conform to the initial conjecture, these initial assumptions will be overturned.

[0041] Step 1013: Once the initial setup phase is complete, the microprocessor resets and then starts a one-minute timer counter. Step 1014: Store the previous value of the VCHG voltage source voltage; and Step 1015: The ADC reads and updates the VCHG voltage source voltage value. If the voltage is less than the shutdown limit, the loop returns to step 1001. If not, it is determined whether the voltage is less than the stored previous voltage, and if so, the current limit setting PWM is reduced by a predetermined amount (step 1016). Then, it is determined whether the one-minute timer counter has timed out, and if not, the loop returns to step 1014. If so, the loop returns to step 1001. If the determination result of the voltage being less than the stored previous voltage is negative, it is determined whether the voltage is greater than the stored previous voltage. If so, Step 1017: The current limit setting PWM is incremented to increase the current drawn from the source, but this current does not exceed the maximum limit allowed by the boost converter (this is set at the factory and based on the ampere rating of the battery cell). As the current increases, the voltage of the external power source will remain almost constant before beginning to decrease. This method provides a determination of the source type. If the source has a simple current overload limit, the voltage will drop sharply. If the source has a soft (foldback) current limit, the voltage will decrease more slowly. In either case, the voltage will decrease, and the microprocessor will determine that the source current limit has been exceeded. The microprocessor reduces the requested current in several steps and repeats the observation. Once the source current limit is reached, the microprocessor stops jittering and remains at the calculated operating point for approximately 1 minute. After this, the microprocessor repeats the process until the battery pack 44 finally reaches its full charge voltage of 38.6V (this also depends on the selected battery and is factory set). Afterward, the battery is effectively trickle charged until the external source is removed.

[0042] The selected solar energy source will output a voltage close to 20V, which will decrease as the microprocessor demands more current. However, the voltage / current behavior of solar cell units differs from other listed sources because solar cells have a very soft characteristic; that is, the voltage drops more significantly with increasing load. Therefore, the microprocessor uses a more lenient criterion to determine when and whether it needs to limit the solar energy load. The operating system setpoint also varies with the solar flux, which may change within a one-minute sampling interval. If the operating point changes significantly, the microprocessor terminates the current interval and begins a new dynamically controlled interval.

[0043] like Figure 11 What I saw and about Figures 12-1 to 12-3The foil heater is entirely controlled by a second microprocessor 1102 on the heater control PCB, which receives power from the battery system 40 via connector 74. A microprocessor power supply 1104 progressively lowers the voltage for the second microprocessor 1102. The second microprocessor measures voltage and load current, including at the bottom of the copper core, halfway down the core wall, and near the top of the core wall (see [reference]). Figure 5B A thermistor 122 is used to measure the core wall temperature, and a voltage detector 1106 is used to measure the ambient temperature at the microprocessor chip. The second microprocessor employs a first state machine 1110 for heater setup and a second state machine 1112 for heater operation. A tri-color LED controller 1114 provides signaling output to the RGB LED 1116 located behind the film in the control and indicator panel 34 as described above. A MOSFET switch 1118 provides main "on-off" current control to the foil heater 85a.

[0044] The second microprocessor uses two control buttons 33 and 35 on the indicator panel 34. These buttons are used to set the target fluid temperature, the rate of increase of the heater power, and the dwell time when the target temperature has been reached before the heater is completely shut off via the first state machine. Figure 12-1 As shown. Once the initial setup is complete, use the buttons to start the heater cycle and manually stop (reset) the cycle. Alternatively, Bluetooth can be used. TM The controller 1113 provides input. The heater PCB includes a plug-in Bluetooth remote control board 1108, which can access the measurement results of the second microprocessor and set the operating parameters of the second microprocessor. This extends the functionality of the foil heater to the full processing capabilities of a modern mobile phone operating system. However, considering the intended application (outdoor), the system will always require manual control as described above, since it cannot be assumed that an operable mobile phone will always be available.

[0045] like Figure 12-2 As shown, the second microprocessor implements two processing modules in the second state machine 1112: an energy-saving mode and a boost mode.

[0046] In boost mode, power is supplied only to the foil heater, and the voltage of the battery pack 44 and all three thermistors 122 are measured. Once the bottom thermistor reaches the target temperature, boost mode enters a dwell phase (step 1202). If any thermistor reaches 105°C or the battery pack condition falls below its shutdown limit, the heater is also shut off (step 1204). Assuming the battery pack is within acceptable limits, the heater is turned on again once all thermistor readings have dropped a few degrees (step 1206).

[0047] Step 1208: In energy-saving mode, all three thermistors and the battery status are measured, and the temperature setpoint is calculated. Once the bottom thermistor reaches the target temperature, a dwell phase begins (Step 1210). If the bottom thermistor is below the target temperature, the heater power is increased (Step 1211), and if the bottom thermistor is above the target temperature, the heater power is decreased (Step 1212). Figure 12-3 As shown, these constraints are selected to optimize the overall thermal performance of the foil heater system, and these constraints are based on the thermal performance of the foil heater observed under different conditions, including the initial fluid initiation temperature, the calculated estimated initial fluid volume, and the ambient temperature. Step 1220: The second microprocessor detects the ambient temperature by measuring its chip temperature and detects the initial fluid temperature by measuring the bottom thermistor. Step 1216: The second microprocessor can also estimate the amount of fluid in the copper heating core by observing the temperature difference of the three thermistors shortly after entering the heater cycle. In energy-saving mode, all these measurements are used to optimize the battery energy conversion for heating the fluid and to estimate the battery energy requirements to meet the expected target temperature (and the corresponding time to reach the target temperature).

[0048] The overall goal is to physically maximize the total volume of heated fluid that can be achieved using the new batteries. The energy-saving mode trades heating time for achieving this goal. The boost mode minimizes heating time at the expense of increased battery consumption.

[0049] See you again Figure 9 The heating system 40 is fully protected by a BPPCB 73, which is attached to the bottom battery spacer via a control chip 908. In an exemplary embodiment, a TI BQ77905 chip is used on the BPPCB as the control chip, measuring the voltage of all nine battery cells and the current flowing into and out of the batteries in its disclosed standard reference circuitry. Upon detecting an overload or fault event, the MOSFET switch 910 is then turned off to disconnect the output power connector (in the bracket). Additional protection is provided by recessed contacts in the Anderson PowerPole connector used in the exemplary embodiment, retraction of the entire connector within the battery, and finally, rubber plugs 60 that can swing and be pushed in over the bracket opening to cover it. Plugs 60 and 62 are pulled out and swing to the right in their operating mode, i.e., swinging in opposite directions when facing each other, to avoid interference.

[0050] See Figure 8A and Figure 8B The stirrer 130 is concentrically received within the copper heater core 80. The handle 30 is permanently attached to an elliptical shaft 132, which is in turn twist-locked to the stirrer 130. This shaft passes through an elliptical cap ring 138 (see...). Figure 5A Next, the shaft is inserted into the circular socket 134 in the blade 136 of the stirrer 130. The blade is then rotated 90 degrees, aligning the outer wheel 140 with the copper heater core wall and orienting the circular groove 144 in the elliptical profile of the handle 30 to a pair of opposing brakes 142. Once in this position, the blade cannot disengage because the brakes remain in the grooves and the outer wheel remains in the cylindrical copper heater core, making the blade-to-shaft connection unlockable. The cylindrical shape of the wall prevents the 90-degree reversal necessary for blade rotation. Furthermore, the blade walls remain concentric as the cover rotates, thus keeping the blade locked. The shaft is elliptical because a circular shaft would rotate and disengage from the blade. The elliptical shaft cannot rotate, and therefore all mechanical connections remain locked. The stirrer is activated by pulling up and pressing down the handle, causing the blade to move back and forth against and parallel to the wall. The corresponding turbulence displaces bubbles formed on the copper heater core wall, which may still rise along the wall and merge, creating further turbulence. Removing boundary layer bubbles from the vertical walls of the copper heater core significantly reduces heating time and avoids additional losses associated with overheating of the copper heater core walls.

[0051] The disclosed embodiments offer the following benefits, including: virtually error-proof connection (non-reverse connection), excellent contact wiping capability, and the use of a parallel battery system / LCHS configuration, which maximizes backpack storage options and stabilizes the stove during operation against gusts of wind (an improvement over placing the heat source below the cookware, which previously required mounting the cookware above the heat source and using a tripod or stove deflector to hold it in place). This standard arrangement places the center of gravity higher than the side-mounted configuration of this invention, and is therefore less stable. The ability to physically separate the LCHS and battery system only provides the additional safety feature of instant shut-off using connector disconnection. As noted, the LCHS is sized to fit into a backpack water bottle pocket. However, both the LCHS and battery assembly can be configured with a cylindrical form factor to accommodate standard vehicle cup holders. The axial connection configuration in non-operating mode provides a method for positioning the battery (upside down) below the furnace while securely holding both in place. The battery pack can optionally be charged by plugging its power input jack into a vehicle power source, and / or alternatively, the furnace can be powered by the battery pack (using a small jumper cable fitting to connect the battery power output port to the furnace power input port; both ports are exposed when mounted in the cup holder as described). Once the LCHS's copper heater core reaches temperature, the short jumper cable can be removed, and the LCHS can be unscrewed from the battery pack. The battery pack can optionally remain in the cup holder until the battery is fully charged. The LCHS can be re-stored on top of the battery pack, or the battery pack can be removed, and the LCHS stored directly in the cup holder without retaining any attachment cables. In this case, the LCHS will operate similarly to a thermos, maintaining the fluid near the target temperature for several hours. This functionality allows the product to handle both backpack-centric and vehicle-centric applications. Vehicle-centric applications can utilize an approximately 5-inch-high, 350ml capacity LCHS implementation to provide a faster and more stable configuration for this specific cup holder market. Such a version can have the exact same construction as the larger version, the difference being that the heater power will be half and the height of the copper heater core will be half.

[0052] As required by patent law, various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, and those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and alternatives to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for heating a liquid container and heater system in an electric furnace, the electric furnace further comprising a battery assembly removably connected to the liquid container and heater system, the liquid container and heater system having a cylindrical housing, a copper heating core concentrically received within the housing, a foil heater concentrically received around the copper heating core, and a heater control printed circuit board carried within the housing and operatively connected to the foil heater, wherein, The method includes: Accepts input regarding the desired heating mode and target temperature; If the desired heating mode is a boost mode, then Provide full available power to the foil heater that concentrically surrounds the copper heating core; Measure the battery pack condition of the battery assembly; The temperatures of a first thermistor located near the top of the copper heating core, a second thermistor located in the middle of the copper heating core, and a third thermistor located near the bottom of the copper heating core are measured. When the third thermistor reaches the target temperature, it enters the dwell phase. Remove power from the foil heater; The temperatures of the first thermistor, the second thermistor, and the third thermistor are measured, and if the battery pack condition is within acceptable limits, power is supplied to the foil heater when the measured temperatures of all thermistors have decreased. Repeat the aforementioned dwell phase.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: If the desired heating mode is an energy-saving mode, then The initial temperatures of the first thermistor, the second thermistor, and the third thermistor were measured. Measure the condition of the battery pack. The target temperature and the estimated power required to achieve the target temperature are calculated based on the battery pack condition. Initiate the heating cycle and supply the estimated power to the foil heater; After a predetermined time in the heating cycle, the amount of fluid in the copper heating core is estimated by incrementally measuring the first thermistor, the second thermistor, and the third thermistor. The revised temperature setpoint and the revised estimated power are calculated based on the temperature difference between the first thermistor, the second thermistor, and the third thermistor. The heating cycle is resumed by providing the foil heater with the revised estimated power; When the third thermistor reaches the revised temperature setpoint, it enters a dwell phase. If the third thermistor is below the revised temperature setpoint, the power supplied to the foil heater is increased; if the third thermistor is above the revised temperature setpoint, the power supplied to the foil heater is decreased.

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