Induction kettle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing induction kettles require manual operation or complex circuitry for switching off, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A kettle design featuring a ferromagnetic plate that moves between operative and inoperative positions based on pressure changes caused by boiling water, using a shaft and stopper mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to automatically terminate power when no load is detected, and incorporating thermally expansive bimetallic members to prevent dry-boiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation or complex circuitry is used for switching off the induction kettle, then the kettle can be controlled to shut off, but the operation becomes inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The kettle automatically detects when water has boiled through pressure sensing and bimetallic strip mechanisms, then self-shuts off without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and terminating heating automatically when the boiling point is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic circuitry with simpler mechanical detection mechanisms including pressure sensors that detect steam pressure and bimetallic strips that respond to temperature changes. This mechanical substitution achieves automatic shut-off functionality with reduced device complexity.
2Loss of energy
If the kettle operates without automatic shut-off, then the device structure remains simple, but energy is wasted and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kettle incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure sensors detect steam pressure buildup and bimetallic strips detect temperature changes. This feedback information is used to automatically terminate heating when water reaches boiling point, preventing energy waste while maintaining relatively simple automation through passive mechanical-sensing systems.
3Productivity
If the heating element remains in the lower region during boiling, then heating efficiency is maintained, but noise and cavitation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed to dynamically change its position from the lower region during initial heating to an elevated position during boiling. This dynamic adjustment optimizes performance by maintaining heating efficiency during water heating while reducing noise and cavitation effects once boiling commences, as the element moves to a position where steam generation is less disruptive.
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 automatic shut-off and prevents overheating, ensuring efficient energy use and user safety by eliminating the need for manual intervention and minimizing noise and cavitation during operation.
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
Induction kettles can be heated by use of induction coils to heat a liquid inside the kettle.
Implementation Method 3
when the member is at a temperature above the threshold temperature, the member is configured to actuate to the second position of stability in which at least a portion of the member engages the bottom wall to move the plate into the upper region
Data Source
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AI summary
An appliance (10) to heat a liquid, the appliance (10) including: a vessel (12) to receive the liquid to be heated, the vessel (12) having a generally central upright longitudinal axis (24), a bottom wall (26), and a side wall (28) extending upwardly from the bottom wall (26), with the bottom wall (26) and side wall (28) at least partly enclosing a chamber (40) within which the liquid is heated, with the chamber (40) having an upper region (42) axially spaced from the bottom wall (26), and a lower region (44) located between the bottom wall (26) and the upper region (42); a heating element (50) located within the chamber (40) for relative movement therewithin, with the element (50) at least partly formed of ferromagnetic material; a heater base (14) to be positioned relative to the bottom wall (26) of the vessel (12), the heater base (14) including at least a portion of an induction coil (18); connections to deliver an alternating current to the induction coil (18) so as to deliver a magnetic field to the lower region (44); and wherein the element (50) is movable relative to the coil (18) between an operative position at which the element (50) is located within the lower region (44) so as to be energised by the magnetic field to cause heating of the element (50) so that heat generated by the element (50) can be delivered to the liquid via conduction, and an inoperative position at which the element (50) is located in the upper region (42) so as to no longer place an operative load on the induction coil (18).