Kettle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional kettles require users to open the lid to refill water, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A kettle design featuring a water fill inlet on the lid with a movable flap that opens under water weight, allowing water to flow in without opening the lid, utilizing a resilient closing mechanism and sealing rings for efficient fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the kettle lid is made removable or pivotally connected for refilling, then water can be added to the kettle body, but the user must manually open the lid which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The water filling flap automatically opens under the weight of incoming water and closes when water flow stops, eliminating the need for manual user intervention. The system serves itself by using the water's own weight to operate the filling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual lid opening mechanisms with a simple gravity-based flap system controlled by water weight, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining refilling functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a water filling flap is introduced to enable automatic opening, then refilling convenience is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism automatically operates based on water weight conditions, opening when water flows in and closing when filling completes, without requiring external control systems or complex automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in water weight as the controlling parameter to trigger flap opening and closing, converting a physical parameter change into mechanical action through the resilient closing mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the water filling flap is made movable to open under water weight, then water can flow into the kettle body, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on water flow conditions, maintaining reliable sealing during storage and operation while enabling automatic opening during refilling without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The water filling flap transitions between static sealed position and dynamic open position based on water weight, creating a dynamic sealing system that adapts to operational conditions while maintaining reliability.
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 easy water replenishment without manual lid opening, simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and maintaining steam retention for effective electric auto-off functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a closing mechanism that applies a resilient driving force to the water filling flap
Implementation Method 2
Under the weight of water in the water fill inlet, the water filling flap is configured to move out of sealing engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A kettle includes a kettle body and a kettle lid. A water fill inlet is defined through the kettle lid and the kettle lid further comprises a water filling flap movably disposed below the water fill inlet for movement between a sealing position and an unsealing position with respect to the inlet. A closure mechanism is configured to apply a resilient drive force to bias the water filling flap toward its sealing position so as to enable the water filling flap to seal the water fill inlet. The water filling flap is configured to be moved toward its unsealing position to open the water fill inlet under the weight of water in the water fill inlet.