Heating element control circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power control circuits for heating elements in appliances require a large number of power conductors due to the distance between the power source, infinite switch, and heating element, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A power control circuit design that connects the heating element directly between the first and second electrical power terminals, with an infinite switch and ON/OFF switch in series, using a jumper wire to connect the ON/OFF switch to the temperature level control switch, reducing the number of conductors needed by allowing power to flow through a single hot conductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate power conductors are used to connect power source, infinite switch, and heating element, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but the aggregate length and complexity of power conductors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the neutral conductor connection into a common neutral bus that serves multiple heating elements, rather than running separate neutral conductors from the power source to each heating element. This merging of conductors reduces the total wire length and complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery to all heating elements through the shared neutral path.
2Reliability
If more power conductors are used to ensure proper circuit completion, then circuit reliability is improved, but the cost and complexity of the wiring harness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common neutral bus serves as a universal connection point for multiple heating elements and the infinite switch, allowing a single conductor structure to fulfill multiple circuit completion functions. This multi-functional design ensures proper circuit reliability while significantly reducing the number of individual conductors that would otherwise be needed, making the wiring harness easier to manufacture and assemble.
3Reliability
If separate power conductors extend from power source to infinite switch and heating element, then proper electrical isolation is achieved, but the aggregate length of conductors becomes quite high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear wiring architecture (power source → infinite switch → heating element with separate conductors) to a star topology where multiple heating elements connect to a common neutral bus. This dimensional reorganization of the circuit layout reduces the total conductor length by eliminating redundant wire runs while maintaining proper electrical isolation through the bus structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A power control circuit includes first and second electrical power terminals connected across a source of electrical power. A heating element is connected to the first terminal. A heating element controller is connected in series with the heating element, between the heating element and the second terminal. The controller is configured to control a temperature level of the element, and includes a control input configured to receive a range of temperature settings, and an OFF command for the element. The controller includes an ON/OFF switch to disconnect the element from the second terminal, and a temperature level control switch to intermittently connect/disconnect the element to the second terminal. A jumper wire series-connects the ON/OFF switch to the temperature level control switch. The ON/OFF switch, the jumper wire, the temperature level control switch, and the element are electrically connected in series.