Blender Lid Closure Detection Using Inductive Coil Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blender lid detection methods are prone to contamination, require complex coil installations, and interfere with the design of transparent containers, while existing wireless communication methods need separate power supplies and are difficult to accurately analyze due to magnetic field interference.

Innovation Solution

A blender design utilizing inductive coils in the blender body and container body for one-time inductive coupling to detect lid closure, preventing contamination and maintaining transparent container design, with low power consumption and easy module attachment/detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a push rod and press detection part are used to detect lid closure, then the closure detection function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and the detection part is prone to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical push rod and press detection part with an electromagnetic sensing system. The sensing part detects lid closure through electromagnetic field changes without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for physical push rods and complex mechanical structures while maintaining reliable detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the lid and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the electromagnetic field mediates the detection process, allowing the sensing part to detect lid closure status without physical contact and thus preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a push rod is installed along the container body, then lid closure detection is achieved, but the design of transparent container body is spoiled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidaesthetic design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visible mechanical push rod with an electromagnetic sensing system that can be integrated into the container body structure. The sensing part can be positioned at the rim or edge of the container body, allowing it to detect lid closure without requiring visible mechanical components along the container body, thus preserving the aesthetic design of transparent containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication module is used for lid detection, then contactless detection is achieved, but separate power supply is required and magnetic field interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless detectionVSAvoidpower supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power supply function with the existing blender base system. Instead of requiring a separate power supply for the wireless communication module, the sensing part is powered through the container body mounting interface, integrating the power supply into the existing structure and eliminating additional power management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic coupling between the sensing part in the container body and the sensing module in the blender base. This creates a replicated sensing system where the container body contains a simplified version of the detection functionality, allowing contactless detection without requiring complex wireless communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If multiple coils are arranged in blender body and container body, then inductive coupling is achieved, but magnetic field interference makes accurate analysis difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidpower analysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power analysis function from the receiving end and performs it at the transmitting end through electromagnetic coupling. The sensing module in the blender base measures the electromagnetic coupling characteristics directly, eliminating the need for complex power analysis at the container body end and reducing measurement errors from magnetic field interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution simplifies control and operation, reduces magnetic field interference, prevents detection errors, maintains transparent container design, and accurately detects lid closure with low power usage, allowing easy replacement and mounting of components.

Implementation Method 1

a first inductive coil and a receiving module receiving a signal, wherein the transmission and reception of the signal are performed between a transmission module and the receiving module by inductive coupling between the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3777621B1blender
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3777621B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3777621B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3777621B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Proposed is a blender, in which a blender body (30) operates when closure of the container lid (20) on a container body (10) is detected. In the blender according to the present invention, when the closure of the container lid (20) is detected, power is transmitted from a first inductive coil (101) of the blender body (30) to a second inductive coil (201) of the container body (10). A transmission module (112) of the container body (10) transmits a signal to a receiving module (311) of the blender body (30) by suing the power transmitted to the second inductive coil (201). When the signal is received by the receiving module (311), the blender body (30) detects the closure of the container lid (20) and is operated.