Heater structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heater structures are not compact enough and lack an automatic heating mode selection function to accommodate diverse heating needs, requiring larger spaces and increased costs due to the need for different sensors and single heating modes.
Innovation Solution
A compact heater structure with a heating unit, power supply holder, locking component, docking component, printed circuit board, and identification circuit that uses distinctive conductive components with different electrical properties to automatically select heating modes based on the identification circuit's measurement of these properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heater structures use single heating mode with predefined heating process, then the structure is simple, but it cannot satisfy diverse heating needs and requires additional sensors for different modes
Solution Approach 1:
The heater structure automatically identifies itself and selects the appropriate heating mode through the identification circuit that detects electrical properties of conductive components, eliminating the need for external sensors or manual mode selection by users
Solution Approach 2:
Different heating modes are achieved by changing the electrical properties (conductivity, resistance) of the conductive component rather than adding physical sensors, allowing the system to distinguish between different heating container types through electrical parameter variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heater structures are designed with different sensors for different heating modes, then diverse heating needs can be met, but the space requirement increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical sensors and mechanical identification mechanisms are replaced with an electrical identification system that uses conductive components with different electrical properties to identify heating container types, significantly reducing the space required for identification functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive component serves multiple functions: it is part of the heating circuit and simultaneously serves as an identification element for mode selection, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall structure space
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heater structures use different sensors for different heating modes, then multiple heating modes can be selected, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive component is a simple, inexpensive element that can be easily manufactured and integrated into different heating container designs, replacing costly sensor components while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different heating modes
Solution Approach 2:
The identification function is merged into the existing conductive components of the heating system rather than being implemented as separate sensor modules, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity
4Area of stationary object
If conventional heater structures are designed for compact size, then space is reduced, but automatic heating mode selection function is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical or optical sensor systems required for automatic identification are replaced with a simple electrical detection system that uses the inherent electrical properties of conductive components, enabling automatic mode selection in a compact form factor
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 and cost-effective heating of various contents with different heating modes within a compact design, reducing the need for additional sensors and space while maintaining versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive component has different electrical properties. Each electrical property of the conductive component is distinctive. The printed circuit board is connected with the signal component, the conductive component and the measuring component to form the identification circuit.
Implementation Method 2
The heating unit includes a heating container for containing contents which are to be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A heater structure includes a heating unit, a power supply holder, a second conducting element, a locking component, a docking component, a printed circuit board and an identification circuit. The heating unit includes a heating container, a first conducting element and a locking component. The power supply holder has a housing. The housing is connected with an extending wall. The housing is cooperated with the extending wall to define an inner space for accommodating the heating unit. A peripheral wall of the housing is recessed downward and sideward to form a locking groove. The second conducting element is mounted in the inner space. The second conducting element is connected with the first conducting element. The locking component is locked in the locking groove. The docking component is disposed in the inner space. The printed circuit board is mounted to a bottom of the power supply holder.