Coffee Maker ON-OFF Switch With Automatic Mains Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical household appliances face challenges in reliably disconnecting from the mains to minimize energy consumption and safety risks, particularly in standby mode, due to rising energy costs and potential fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
A manually and electrically operable ON-OFF switch with a control device that ensures reliable disconnection, utilizing a latching relay for automatic shutdown after a predefined time or immediate mechanical actuation, allowing for single-switch operation and reducing parts and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a household appliance remains permanently connected to the mains, then it is always ready for operation, but energy consumption increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary actions by automatically switching off the household appliance after a predefined period of inactivity, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring energy savings without compromising user convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and automatically disconnecting from the mains when not in use, eliminating the need for continuous user attention while maintaining readiness when needed
2Ease of operation
If a household appliance remains permanently connected to the mains, then it can be used immediately, but fire hazards and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device takes preliminary action by automatically disconnecting the appliance after a period of inactivity, preventing fire hazards before they can occur while maintaining immediate availability when the appliance is actively needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring of operational status and automatically switches off after a predefined time period, creating a safety cycle that reduces fire hazards while preserving usability
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate manual and automatic switching mechanisms are provided, then switching flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the manual ON-OFF switch and the automatic control device into a single integrated switching mechanism, allowing one component to perform both manual user activation and automatic control functions, thereby reducing parts count and complexity while maintaining full switching flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The single ON-OFF switch is designed with universal functionality to serve both as a manual user interface and as an interface for automatic control signals from the control device, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
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 efficient disconnection from the mains, reducing energy consumption to zero and enhancing safety by minimizing fire and electrical hazards, while allowing for flexible operation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil is provided for automatically actuating the switching element
Implementation Method 2
the switch receives an electrical impulse with each impulse current, which causes a change in the switching state. This switching status change is stored mechanically or electronically until the next electrical impulse
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical household appliance, in particular a coffee maker, comprising at least one manually operated ON-OFF switch for at least single-poled disconnection of the household appliance from an electrical grid. What is essential to the invention is that the ON-OFF switch can also be electrically actuated by way of a control device.