Kettle and controller therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved mechanism to determine the water level in a kettle, particularly one that allows remote monitoring and control, as traditional methods require direct visual inspection and lack real-time feedback.
Innovation Solution
A kettle equipped with a wireless transceiver for communication with a remote controller, a programmable user input device, and a weight sensor offset from the liquid's center of gravity, which can transmit liquid volume data and receive instructions for heating control, enabling remote operation and display of liquid volume information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional clear window is used to check water level, then the user can visually inspect the water level, but the user can only check when physically present at the kettle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of a clear window with an electronic sensing and communication system. A weight sensor (load cell) measures the weight of the kettle and its contents, and a microcontroller processes this data to determine water level. This information is then transmitted wirelessly via WiFi to a smartphone application, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection and enabling remote monitoring anywhere with internet connectivity.
2Loss of time
If remote control via smartphone is implemented, then the kettle can be turned on remotely to save time, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the same WiFi transceiver and microcontroller that provide remote switching capability also enable remote water level monitoring, temperature monitoring, and automated control. The smartphone application serves as a universal interface for all these functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the added capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The kettle incorporates automated functions that reduce manual intervention: the system automatically monitors water level and temperature, adjusts heating power accordingly, and can autonomously shut off when water boils or when the smartphone is placed on the kettle's surface, eliminating the need for constant user attention and simplifying operation.
3Measurement precision
If a weight sensor is positioned at the center of gravity, then the measurement is straightforward, but the kettle becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions the weight sensor asymmetrically, offset from the center of gravity of the kettle. This asymmetric placement creates a stable tripod configuration where the sensor and two feet form a stable base. The system compensates for the offset position through software calibration, measuring the weight distribution and calculating the actual water weight while maintaining kettle stability.
4Device complexity
If the weight sensor forms one of the feet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement accuracy may be affected by the foot structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weight sensor with one of the kettle's feet, combining the structural support function with the measurement function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting hardware and reduces overall device complexity. The software compensates for any measurement variations by calibrating against the known weight of the empty kettle and accounting for the foot's structural characteristics.
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 remote monitoring and control of the kettle, ensuring accurate water level determination and heating management, allowing users to pre-heat water conveniently and ensuring sufficient water is available before use.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (4) contained in the container (2) for heating the liquid to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
The kettle may comprise a weight sensor in its base, which forms one of a plurality of feet for stabilising the kettle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A kettle (1) comprising a weight sensor (14) configured to determine an indication of a volume of liquid that is held by the kettle and a control unit (9) configured to control the kettle to start heating the liquid at a time that is dependent on that indication. The kettle comprises a wireless transceiver (11) that is capable of communicating wirelessly with a remote controller (15) and the control unit is configured to transmit an indication of the volume of liquid being held by the kettle to the remote controller.