Cordless Kettle Control Contacts for Non-Cycling Overheat Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid heating apparatus controls, particularly those with trip levers, are wasteful of power and require additional moving parts, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A non-cycling control arrangement that eliminates the need for a trip lever by using contacts divided between the control and cordless base connector, with a moveable contact member on a switch lever and a separate resilient biasing mechanism, allowing for fewer current-carrying pairs and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trip lever mechanism is used to achieve non-cycling control function, then the control can prevent reheating after boiling, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trip lever mechanism from the control system and replaces it with a simpler contact-based switching arrangement. The control assembly uses fixed contacts on the base and movable contacts on the appliance that automatically open when the appliance is lifted, eliminating the need for trip levers, over-centre springs, and other complex mechanical components while maintaining the non-cycling control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides both the separable electrical connection between base and appliance and the switching control function simultaneously. The same contacts that make/break the electrical connection also control the heating element power supply, eliminating the need for separate trip lever mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional contact arrangements with separate connector parts are used, then the electrical connection is established, but the manufacturing cost increases due to multiple contact pairs requiring silver plating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and the control switching function into a single contact arrangement. Instead of having separate contacts for power transmission and separate contacts for control switching, the same contacts perform both functions. This reduces the number of contact pairs requiring expensive silver plating and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The contacts are designed to serve dual purposes: they establish the electrical connection for power supply and simultaneously control the switching of the heating element. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant contacts and reduces manufacturing costs associated with multiple silver-plated contact pairs.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and efficient control mechanism that prevents overheating without the need for extra moving parts, enhancing reliability and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a bimetallic actuator arranged to be acted on directly or indirectly by the temperature of the liquid heating apparatus so that the moveable contact member is moved away from the fixed contact when the liquid heating apparatus reaches a predetermined temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A control assembly for a cordless liquid heating apparatus comprises a control for mounting to the liquid heating apparatus and a cordless base connector (204) adapted to supply electrical power to the control. The control assembly further comprises a switch arrangement for making or breaking an electrical circuit for supplying power to the liquid heating apparatus. The switch arrangement comprises: a fixed contact (112') provided on the cordless base connector (204), a moveable contact member (206) provided on the control and a physical blocking member (260). The blocking member (260) is arranged so that when the moveable contact member (206) is separated from the fixed contact (112'), the blocking member (260) moves automatically to a blocking position in which it prevents the moveable contact member (206) from making electrical contact with the fixed contact (112').