Double-Body Electric Kettle Handle Assembly for Heat-Safe PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric kettles face challenges with assembly complexity, productivity, and heat-induced control part malfunction due to integrated handle and body structures, leading to cumbersome operation and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
The electric kettle features a double-structured body with a handle mounted externally, using a handle bracket welded to the inner body and fastened with screws, along with a one-touch action for handle cover and support assembly, and a seating rib for PCB mounting, enhancing assembly ease and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the body is made of plastic material to facilitate internal configuration arrangement, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the durability and hygiene are worsened due to harmful plastic components dissolving in high-temperature water and vulnerability to scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where the inner body is made of stainless steel (providing durability and hygiene) while the outer body is made of plastic material (providing manufacturing ease and insulation). This composite material approach allows each layer to fulfill its specific function: the stainless steel inner body ensures safety and scratch resistance, while the plastic outer body facilitates manufacturing and provides thermal insulation.
2Reliability
If the body is made of glass to achieve hygiene and good appearance, then the hygiene and appearance are improved, but the durability is worsened due to impact damage and the weight increases making it inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stainless steel for the inner body instead of glass, maintaining hygiene properties while significantly improving impact resistance and reducing weight. The stainless steel material provides both the required durability and hygienic characteristics without the fragility and weight issues of glass.
3Reliability
If the body is made of stainless steel to achieve hygiene and durability, then the hygiene and durability are improved, but the manufacturing ease is worsened compared to plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the body into two separate parts: an inner body made of stainless steel and an outer body made of plastic material. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using the most suitable process for its material - the stainless steel inner body can be formed by stamping or welding for durability, while the plastic outer body can be molded for manufacturing ease. The two parts are then assembled together, combining the advantages of both materials.
4Ease of operation
If the on/off switch and control part are provided in the handle to enable operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened requiring connection between handle and heating part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control part (PCB) from the heating part and relocates it to the handle. This extraction allows the control functions to be operated conveniently from the handle while the heating part maintains its simple heating function. The control part in the handle includes an on/off switch and state display, enabling easy operation without complicating the heating mechanism itself.
5Device complexity
If both heating wire and control part are located inside the heating part to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the water-receiving space is decreased and heat exposure may damage control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control part (PCB) from the heating part and relocates it to the handle. This separation increases the water-receiving space of the heating part by removing the control components from that area. Additionally, it protects the control part from heat damage by positioning it in the handle, which is thermally isolated from the heating element.
6Reliability
If the handle is connected to upper and lower portions of the body to secure attachment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to restricted structure and inconvenient handle use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment approach by connecting the handle primarily to the upper end of the body rather than both upper and lower portions. This dimensional change in attachment location simplifies the handle structure and improves usability while maintaining reliable attachment through the upper connection point and handle bracket.
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 design results in a compact, easily manufactured, and assembled kettle with improved productivity, secure handle attachment, and reduced heat exposure for control components, ensuring efficient operation and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a handle bracket welded to the inner body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An electric kettle (1) having a handle (40) coupled to one end of a body (10) is proposed. The electric kettle (1) includes: a body (10) receiving water or food therein; a lid (20) configured to shield an open upper side of the body (10); a base (60) provided at a lower side of the body (10) and configured to support the body (10); a spout (30) provided on an upper end of the body (10) and guiding a discharge of the water or food contained inside the body (10); and the handle (40) fastened to the upper end of the body (10) and configured to be held by hand. According to the configuration of the electric kettle (1), there are advantages of providing a compact and aesthetic appearance and improving assemblability.