Induction-heated vessel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction-heated vessels face challenges in creating a wear-friendly, washable conductive material for ceramic vessels and lack advanced feedback and control systems, which hinders their integration into wider use, especially in retail settings.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a ceramic outer layer with a conductive heating element, such as a conductive glaze or coating, and an RFID tag for thermal transfer and monitoring, enabling efficient heat conduction and advanced tracking and control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conductive label is sealed to the bottom of a ceramic vessel, then induction heating capability is achieved, but the conductive material is not wear-friendly and not washable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction heating capabilityVSAvoidwear resistance and washability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ceramic material by incorporating conductive particles (such as iron oxide, magnetite, or metallic particles) into the ceramic matrix. This transforms the ceramic from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, enabling induction heating while maintaining the inherent wear resistance and washability of ceramic material. The conductive properties are achieved through parameter modification rather than by attaching a separate conductive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite ceramic material by combining ceramic base material with conductive particles. This composite structure integrates the thermal insulation and mechanical strength of ceramic with the electrical conductivity of the embedded particles. The conductive ceramic body eliminates the need for separate conductive labels or coatings, providing a durable solution that is both wear-friendly and washable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a separate direct heating device is used to heat the vessel, then the vessel can be heated by radiation or thermal conduction, but the user is physically exposed to heated surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoiduser exposure to heated surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the ceramic vessel to heat itself through induction heating. The conductive ceramic body directly interacts with the induction heating field, generating heat within the vessel material itself rather than requiring an external heating element. This self-heating mechanism eliminates exposed heated surfaces, as the heat is generated internally through electromagnetic induction, making the process safer for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical or thermal contact heating systems with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of using a direct heating device that requires physical contact and creates exposed hot surfaces, the invention uses electromagnetic fields to induce currents in the conductive ceramic, which then generates heat internally. This substitution of heating mechanism eliminates the harmful effect of exposed heated surfaces.

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

3Productivity

If prior induction heating systems are used, then basic heating function is provided, but feedback and control are very basic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionVSAvoidfeedback and control information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor heating parameters such as temperature, power consumption, and heating efficiency. This feedback information is used to adjust and optimize the induction heating process in real-time, providing precise control over the heating function. The system can track and respond to changes in heating conditions, enabling improved safety and performance compared to basic induction heating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 provides a durable, washable, and efficiently heated ceramic vessel with improved feedback and control, enhancing safety and usability, particularly in retail environments.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive heating element, which can be provided as a conductive glaze or coating, a conductive inner layer, or a label comprising a conductive element and an RFID tag, to allow the thermal transfer or conduction of heat from the heated surface directly to the contents of the vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the ceramic outer layer of the vessel insulates the contents of the vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

the induction-heated vessel can be glazed or coated in the normal production process to have a conductive interior that is heated by an inductively coupled transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11576509B2Induction-heated vessel
Publication Date: 2023.02.14 HOLLYMATIC
  • US11576509B2 patent drawing
  • US11576509B2 patent drawing
  • US11576509B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Induction-heated vessels, and processes for manufacturing induction-heated vessels and vessel components, are provided. The vessels can include a ceramic outer layer and a conductive heating element, which can be provided as a conductive glaze or coating, a conductive inner layer, or a label comprising a conductive element and an RFID tag, to allow the thermal transfer or conduction of heat from the heated surface directly to the contents of the vessel, while the ceramic outer layer of the vessel insulates the contents of the vessel. Also, systems and methods for heating and controlling induction-heated vessels and for tracking loyalty, use, and/or sales using RFID-enabled induction-heated vessels are provided.