Dishwasher-Safe Dishware With Removable Wireless Heating Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of technology for actively heating or cooling dishwasher-safe dishware and drinkware, which limits the ability to maintain food at desired temperatures for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

The development of dishwasher-safe dishware and drinkware equipped with a heating or cooling system, including a heating or cooling element, power storage, and a wireless power receiver, allowing for wireless charging and controlled temperature maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If passive heating or cooling mechanisms are used in ceramic dishware, then the dishware can maintain food temperature for a longer time, but the heating or cooling effect is limited and cannot be actively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of temperature maintenanceVSAvoidactive temperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive thermal mechanisms with an active electrical heating system. A heating element embedded in the dishware can be electrically activated to provide controlled heating, while a power storage element (battery) supplies electrical energy. This substitution enables active temperature control rather than relying solely on passive thermal retention properties of the ceramic material.

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

2Ease of operation

If heating or cooling elements are integrated into dishware, then active temperature control is achieved, but the components become exposed to water during washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive temperature controlVSAvoiddurability of heating components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the dishware into separable components: a ceramic body portion that can be washed in the dishwasher, and a removable base portion containing the heating element and power storage element. The removable base can be detached before washing, protecting the electronic components from water exposure while allowing the ceramic portion to be easily cleaned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a removable base as an intermediary component between the ceramic body and the heating elements. This base acts as a protective barrier that prevents water from reaching the electronic components during washing, while still allowing thermal transfer to the ceramic body when attached during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If heating or cooling elements are integrated into dishware, then active temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive temperature controlVSAvoidstructure of heating system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the removable base: the heating element, power storage element, and control circuitry are all integrated into this single component. This merging simplifies the overall structure by consolidating complex elements into one detachable unit, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain despite the added functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the active heating or cooling of dishware and drinkware, maintaining food at desired temperatures for extended periods without exposing the heating or cooling components to water, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

a heating or cooling element configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A wireless power receiver is configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3876385B1Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 EMBER TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3876385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3876385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3876385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware are provided. The dishware and drinkware can be a plate, mug, cup or serving dish that includes a dishwasher safe body having a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food and a heating or cooling system that can be housed in the body or in a separate module removably attachable to the body. The heating or cooling system can have a heating or cooling element that heats or cools the receiving portion of the body. The heating or cooling system can optionally have a power storage element connected to the heating or cooling element, the power storage element configured to supply the heating or cooling element with electricity for a desired period of time. The heating or cooling system can optionally have a charging circuit operatively connected to the power storage element, the charging circuit configured to control a charging process of the power storage element. The heating or cooling system can have a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, the wireless power receiver operatively connected to the charging circuit and configured to transmit power thereto to charge the power storage device. The heating or cooling element is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the body to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled state for an extended period of time.