Electric pot having improved function of continuing thermal-insulation operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric pots require users to manually reset and wait for thermal-insulation operations each time they are reused, which is cumbersome and may lead to inefficiencies and safety risks due to interrupted temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electric pot with a controller and memory system that allows for continuous thermal-insulation operation by storing and retrieving settings, including target temperatures and continuation periods, even when the pot is detached and reattached, ensuring seamless re-initiation of heating based on stored information and content sufficiency checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermal-insulation operation is stopped when the body is separated from the base, then the electric power supply is cut off for safety, but the operation cannot be resumed automatically when re-coupled, requiring manual re-setting which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores the thermal-insulation operation settings and state in a memory before the body is separated from the base. When re-coupled, the controller automatically retrieves and resumes the stored operation without requiring user re-setting, thus applying preliminary action to preserve operation state
Solution Approach 2:
The electric pot system automatically detects when the body is re-coupled to the base and autonomously resumes the thermal-insulation operation based on stored information. The system serves itself by automatically restoring the operation state without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual re-setting
2Ease of operation
If the thermal-insulation operation continues after re-coupling the body and base, then user convenience is improved by automatic resumption, but the risk of fires and burns increases if temperature maintenance is not properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the temperature of the contents via a temperature sensor and adjusts the heater operation accordingly. When the body is re-coupled and thermal-insulation operation resumes, the feedback mechanism ensures the temperature is maintained within safe limits, preventing overheating that could cause fires or burns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (user manually setting and monitoring temperature) with an automated electronic control system. The controller electronically manages the heater based on stored operation parameters and real-time temperature feedback, providing safer and more consistent temperature control than manual operation
3Productivity
If the user manually re-sets the thermal-insulation operation each time the pot is reused, then the operation can be properly controlled, but time is lost due to re-setting and waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by storing the thermal-insulation operation settings and state in memory before separation occurs. This pre-preservation of operation data eliminates the need for time-consuming re-setting when the pot is reused, directly improving productivity by allowing immediate resumption of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of the thermal-insulation operation by preserving the operation state across separation and re-coupling events. The useful action of temperature maintenance continues uninterrupted from the user's perspective, eliminating idle waiting time and improving overall productivity of pot usage
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 enhances user convenience by eliminating the need for manual re-setting and reduces the risk of fires and burns by ensuring consistent temperature maintenance and efficient heating operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating contents accommodated in the pot main body
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the contents
Implementation Method 3
function of continuing a thermal-insulation operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electric pot including a controller that controls a heater to perform a thermal-insulation operation based on an input in relation to a thermal-insulation operation and based on information on temperatures, and a memory that receives information in relation to a thermal-insulation operation from the controller and stores the information and that retains the stored information in relation to a thermal-insulation operation regardless of whether a pot main body is attached to or detached from a supporter.