Induction kettle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction kettles require manual operation or complex circuitry to switch off, lacking an efficient mechanism for automatically terminating heating once the liquid has reached boiling point.
Innovation Solution
A movable ferromagnetic heating element within an induction kettle that shifts from an operative position under the induction coil for heating to an inoperative position above it when pressure increases due to boiling, utilizing a bimetallic member to actuate this movement and a micro-processor to control the induction coil, ensuring power termination when no load is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable ferromagnetic heating element is used in an induction kettle, then automatic switching off is achieved when liquid reaches boiling point, but the device complexity increases due to the movable element mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element automatically moves out of the induction field when the liquid reaches boiling point, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems. The system serves itself by using the boiling process to trigger the shutdown mechanism through pressure-driven movement of the element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition of liquid to vapor at boiling point, which creates pressure that drives the movable heating element out of the induction field. The phase change is converted into mechanical movement that automatically terminates heating.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation or complex circuitry is used to switch off the induction kettle, then the heating can be controlled, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electrical control circuitry with a mechanical system where the movable heating element physically moves out of the induction field to terminate heating. This mechanical approach is simpler than electrical control systems while achieving the same automatic shutdown function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted from the induction field by moving it out of position when boiling is detected. This extraction removes the load from the induction coil, automatically switching off the heating function without requiring complex control circuits.
3Loss of energy
If the heating element remains in the induction field after boiling, then continuous heating is maintained, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element periodically moves in and out of the induction field based on the boiling state of the liquid. When boiling occurs, the element moves out to stop heating; when liquid is added, it moves back in to resume heating, creating a periodic on-off cycle that prevents energy wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback where the boiling state of the liquid is detected through pressure changes that move the heating element. This mechanical feedback loop continuously monitors the heating state and adjusts the element position to maintain optimal energy efficiency.
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
Automatically switches off the kettle when the liquid reaches boiling point, preventing overheating and energy wastage, while ensuring safe operation and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heating circuit produces heat on 'loads' (such as a ferromagnetic base of the kettle) using the principle of magnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
heat generated by the element can be delivered to the liquid via conduction
Implementation Method 3
heat generated by the element can be delivered to the liquid via conduction
Implementation Method 4
the member possessing at least two positions of stability, with each of the positions responsive to a threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance including: a vessel to receive a liquid, the vessel having a longitudinal axis, a bottom wall, and a side wall at least partly enclosing a chamber within which the liquid is heated, the chamber having an upper region axially spaced from the bottom wall, and a lower region located between the bottom wall and the upper region; a heating element within the chamber; a heater base including at least a portion of an induction coil; connections to deliver an alternating current to the induction coil to deliver a magnetic field to the lower region; the element being movable relative to the coil between an operative position at which the element is located within the lower region to be energised by the magnetic field to cause heating of the element, and an inoperative position at which the element is located in the upper region to not energize the element.