Heating circulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control devices, such as bath circulators, face challenges in extending operational life due to user interaction, require multiple adapters for hose connections, and lack remote monitoring and control capabilities, as well as precise temperature tracking and energy calculation.

Innovation Solution

A heating circulator equipped with a motion sensor to activate the display only when in use, a multi-function hose connector, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for remote monitoring and control, a liquid crystal display that changes color based on temperature, non-contact infrared temperature measurement, and the ability to record and calculate heat release over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display is always on for user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but operational life is reduced due to increased physical contact and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay accessibilityVSAvoidcirculator operational life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically changes its state based on detected motion. When motion is detected, the display activates to provide information. When no motion is detected, the display remains off to conserve energy and reduce wear. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the display available when needed while minimizing its operational time to extend device life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (touching buttons, pressing keys) with motion detection technology. The motion sensor detects user presence and triggers display activation automatically, eliminating the need for physical contact to activate the display. This substitution reduces mechanical wear while maintaining ease of operation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters are provided for different hose connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose connection compatibilityVSAvoidconnector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose connector is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate different hose types and connection standards. The connector can adapt to various hose configurations through integrated sealing mechanisms and adjustable components, eliminating the need for multiple separate adapters. This universal design maintains adaptability while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design incorporates nested components where smaller sealing elements and adjustment mechanisms are integrated within the main connector body. This nesting allows multiple functions to be contained within a single compact unit, providing adaptability for different hose types without requiring separate external adapters for each connection type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If physical contact with the circulator is required for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is reduced due to exposure to hazardous materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoiduser exposure to hazardous materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces that require physical contact with motion-activated controls. The motion sensor detects user presence and activates the display and controls automatically. Users can operate the circulator through motion-based interactions or remote interfaces without physically touching buttons or knobs, thereby avoiding exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining ease of operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor acts as an intermediary between the user and the circulator controls. It detects user presence and triggers the appropriate control responses without requiring direct physical contact. This intermediary mechanism allows users to control the device from a safe distance, preventing exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution extends the operational life of the circulator by reducing physical interaction, simplifies hose connections, enables remote system control and monitoring, provides real-time temperature feedback, and allows for precise tracking of heat processes, enhancing user safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A heating circulator has a motion sensor to detect motion to turn on the circulator information display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

a liquid crystal display that changes color based on temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermochromism: Thermochromism

Implementation Method 3

non-contact infrared temperature measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 4

A heating circulator equipped with... the ability to record and calculate heat release over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3025112B1Heating circulator
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 ANOVA APPLIED ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3025112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3025112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3025112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluidic temperature control device (100) for lab, industry, home and commercial use is disclosed. The fluidic temperature control device (100) can contain a motion tracking to modulate a display (114) of the device (100). The device (100) also includes a multi adapter pump tube outlet that can interface with multiple styles of connectors. The display (114) of the device (110) can change background color based on temperature and can synchronize with other nearby systems for control. The device (100) can utilize a wireless infrared thermometer (124) to take temperature readings of an apparatus (132) that the device (100) is controlling. The device (100) can record and track heat used or evolved from an apparatus (132) the device (100) is controlling.