Portable Heating Device with Feedback Control to Prevent Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating methods for foods and liquids are often limited by the need for a fixed power source, leading to restricted heating times and locations, and may result in overheating, which can damage nutrients or make the food hazardous to consume.
Innovation Solution
A portable heating device with a container, heating element, temperature sensor, and controller that allows for precise temperature control, multiple heating cycles, and notifications, enabling safe and efficient heating of foods and liquids without a fixed power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heating methods (stove top, microwave) are used, then heating function is available, but location flexibility is restricted and overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the substance temperature and provides signals to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element power based on this feedback to maintain the target temperature, preventing overheating. This closed-loop control ensures reliable temperature management while enabling portable use anywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical heating systems (stove top, microwave) with an integrated portable heating device that combines an electric heating element, temperature sensor, and controller in a single unit. This substitution enables location flexibility while maintaining precise temperature control through electronic regulation rather than mechanical methods.
2Temperature
If conventional heating methods are used, then heating capability is provided, but temperature precision deteriorates leading to nutrient damage
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the substance temperature and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element power accordingly to maintain the target temperature within a narrow range, ensuring precise temperature control that prevents nutrient damage from overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise control of temperature parameters by allowing users to set specific target temperatures and maintaining them through electronic regulation. The system can hold the temperature at the desired level without exceeding it, preventing the harmful effects of high temperature on nutrients while still providing effective heating.
3Measurement precision
If a portable heating device with temperature control is implemented, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element, temperature sensor, controller, and power source into a single integrated portable device. This merging of components achieves precise temperature measurement and control functionality while consolidating the structure, making the device portable rather than requiring separate external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of temperature through the integrated sensor and controller that automatically adjust heating based on real-time temperature readings. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external temperature monitoring equipment or manual temperature checking, simplifying the overall system despite the added precision functionality.
4Productivity
If multiple heating cycles are enabled, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple heating cycles by allowing the device to be used repeatedly for different substances or sequential heating needs. The controller manages each heating cycle independently, activating the heating element only when and for as long as needed to reach the target temperature, then stopping to conserve energy during idle periods between cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains readiness for multiple heating cycles by keeping the power source charged and the system in a standby state. When a new heating cycle is initiated, the device can immediately begin heating without requiring setup or preparation time, maintaining continuous productive capability while consuming energy only during actual heating operations.
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
The portable heating device provides accurate temperature control, multiple heating cycles, and safety notifications, ensuring that foods and liquids are heated to a desired temperature without overheating, maintaining nutritional value and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is in thermal contact with the container
Implementation Method 2
The insulation layer is coupled to the container and arranged to thermally isolate the heating element from at least the electronic device and the controller
Implementation Method 3
The temperature sensor is in thermal contact with the container
Data Source
AI summary
An example portable heating device includes a container, one or more heating elements, an electronic device, one or more temperature sensors, a controller, a power supply, and a power supply controller. The one or more heating elements are in thermal contact with the container. The electronic device is configured to receive a user input selecting a target temperature to heat a substance in the container to and to display the target temperature. The controller is configured to cause the one or more heating elements to heat the substance to the target temperature in response to determining the current temperature of the substance measured by the one or more temperature sensors is less than the target temperature. The power supply is configured to provide power to the one or more heating elements, the electronic device, the one or more temperature sensors, and the controller.