Electric pot and liquid level determining method which can determine liquid level and solid height by light with different wave lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric pots lack the ability to calculate the liquid level within the pot, requiring users to manually check by opening the cover, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An electric pot equipped with a light source to emit light patterns on the liquid surface, detected by an image sensor, and processed to determine the liquid level, with an optional feature to calculate solid height using a second light pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional electric pot design is used, then the structure is simple, but the liquid level cannot be determined without opening the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening the cover to visually check liquid level with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the transparent sidewall, and a photoelectric sensor detects the light pattern to determine liquid level automatically, eliminating the need for mechanical cover opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent sidewall as an intermediary medium that allows light to pass through while containing the liquid. This transparent barrier enables optical detection of liquid level from the outside without direct contact or opening the pot, preserving both simplicity and information access.
2Ease of operation
If manual checking by opening cover is used, then no additional components are needed, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electric pot performs self-detection of liquid level through the integrated optical system. The light source and photoelectric sensor work automatically to monitor liquid level and provide feedback to the control unit, eliminating the need for user intervention to check liquid level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photoelectric sensor continuously detects light patterns and sends signals to the control unit, which processes the information and provides liquid level indication to the user. This closed-loop system automatically updates liquid level information without user action.
3Extent of automation
If optical detection system is added, then liquid level can be determined automatically, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent sidewall serves multiple functions: it contains the liquid, allows optical detection, and provides structural support. The light source and sensor system is integrated into the existing pot structure, allowing the same components to serve both heating and detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light transmission, refraction, reflection) caused by different liquid levels to determine the liquid level. The control unit analyzes variations in light pattern parameters detected by the photoelectric sensor to calculate liquid level position.
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 users to conveniently determine liquid and solid heights optically, enhancing usability and convenience during cooking.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source, configured to emit light to liquid in the electric pot, wherein the light forms a first light pattern on a surface of the liquid; an image sensor, configured to detect the first light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electric pot comprising a first light source, a second light source, an image sensor and a processor. The first light source and the second light source respectively generates first light having a first wavelength and second light having a second wavelength. The first light generates a first light pattern on the surface of liquid, and the second light generates a second light pattern on the surface of solid in the liquid. The processor determines a liquid level of the liquid based on the first light pattern and determines a solid height of the solid based on the second light pattern.