Electric Kettle Infrared Reflection Layout for Flexible Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric water kettles with wireless signal transmission devices face challenges in maintaining accurate and efficient signal transmission due to the need for precise positioning of wireless transceivers, and are prone to signal degradation from oxidation of output terminals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless signal transmission device with a light reflection arrangement, comprising first and second reflective mechanisms on the kettle body and base, respectively, allows for multiple reflections of infrared signals between wireless transceivers, enabling reliable signal transmission without requiring precise alignment of the transceivers, and facilitating a rotatable connector system for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless transceivers are positioned precisely for accurate signal transmission, then signal transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity and positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflective surfaces (metallic inner walls of the kettle body and base) as intermediaries to redirect wireless signals. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight between transceivers, the signals reflect off these surfaces to reach the receiver, eliminating the need for precise positioning while maintaining transmission accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the signal transmission path from a direct one-dimensional line to a multi-dimensional path involving reflections off kettle body surfaces. This allows signals to reach the receiver through multiple routes (direct path, reflected paths), ensuring reliable transmission regardless of transceiver positioning
2Device complexity
If conductive terminals are used for signal transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality and accuracy deteriorate due to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based conductive terminal system with a wireless electromagnetic signal transmission system. This eliminates physical contact and the associated oxidation problem while maintaining signal transmission capability, though it introduces the need for reflective surfaces to guide the wireless signals
3Measurement precision
If wireless transceivers are positioned for optimal signal transmission, then signal transmission accuracy is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to assembly constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the signal transmission system dynamic by utilizing the reflective surfaces of the kettle body itself rather than requiring fixed, precisely positioned transceivers. The reflective walls adapt to different kettle orientations and positions, allowing the signal to follow the reflected paths regardless of how the kettle is assembled or positioned on the base
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 ensures consistent and accurate wireless signal transmission between the kettle body and base, reducing the impact of oxidation and allowing for flexible positioning of the kettle body relative to the base, while also serving as an aesthetic feature.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless signal is subject to multiple reflections by the first and the second reflective mechanism until the wireless signal reaches the corresponding first and the second wireless transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
An electric kettle includes a kettle body, a base, a heating element and a wireless signal transmission device. The wireless signal transmission device includes a controller circuitry, a first wireless transceiver, a second wireless transceiver, and a light reflection arrangement. The light reflection arrangement includes a first reflective mechanism provided on the kettle body, and a second reflective mechanism provided on the base, wherein when the kettle body is rotatably and detachably coupled with the base through a lower and an upper connector, wherein when one of the first and the second wireless transceiver is activated to generate a wireless signal toward another of the wireless transceiver, the wireless signal is subject to multiple reflections by the first and the second reflective mechanism until the wireless signal reaches the corresponding first and the second wireless transceiver.