Laboratory Heating Device with Wireless Proximity Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory devices for heating and stirring liquids lack a mechanism to ensure that operation requires an authorized operator to be in proximity, potentially leading to unattended operation and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory device equipped with a wireless communication system that requires bidirectional communication with a mobile device to enable electrical power to the heating element, and a proximity sensor to ensure user presence, ensuring that power is terminated if communication is lost or the user is not detected within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional laboratory device without remote communication is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it allows unattended operation which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication device as an intermediary between the user and the heating/stirring device. This mediator requires bidirectional communication to be established before allowing operation, ensuring user proximity without requiring complex direct control mechanisms. The wireless device acts as a safety gatekeeper that prevents unattended operation while maintaining simplicity of the core heating function.
2Reliability
If bidirectional wireless communication is required to enable power, then unattended operation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device automatically manages the safety protocol by continuously monitoring bidirectional communication status. The system self-regulates power supply based on communication establishment without requiring manual intervention or complex control circuits. This self-service approach handles the safety logic automatically, reducing the burden on the user and simplifying the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional communication requirement creates a continuous feedback loop between the user's mobile device and the laboratory device. The system only permits operation when this feedback channel is active, ensuring real-time user presence. This feedback mechanism provides automatic safety monitoring without requiring additional sensors or complex detection systems.
3Reliability
If proximity monitoring is implemented, then unattended operation is prevented, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or sensor-based proximity detection systems with wireless communication-based proximity verification. Instead of using ultrasonic sensors, infrared detectors, or mechanical switches, the system uses the presence of an established wireless communication connection to verify user proximity. This substitution dramatically simplifies the hardware requirements while maintaining effective proximity monitoring.
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
Prevents unattended operation by ensuring that electrical power to the heating element is only supplied when an authorized operator is in proximity, enhancing safety and preventing overheating or liquid evaporation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element; a first temperature sensor, arranged proximate to the platform, at least one controller, located in the body and arranged to receive a temperature signal from the first temperature sensor, for controlling an amount of electrical power supplied to the heating element
Implementation Method 2
a motor, located below the plate, which rotates a magnetic element, generating a magnetic field above the plate. When another magnetic element, generally referred to as a magnetic stir rod, is placed in the vessel, it will couple with the magnetic field and rotate, stirring the liquid in the vessel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A laboratory device has a body with a platform for receiving a vessel that contains a sample to be heated. A heating element, arranged under the platform, provides heat to the platform, based on a set temperature and a measured temperature as sensed by at least one temperature sensor, proximate to the platform. A controller located in the body directs electrical power to the heating element. As a safety feature, a wireless communication feature allows a user to enter set temperature instructions from a mobile device when communication with the mobile device is enabled and established. A proximity feature, when enabled, allows the user to enter instructions only as long as the user remains in a predetermined proximity of the laboratory device.