Pot cover assembly and cooking utensil having same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooking utensils, such as electric rice cookers, face challenges with high-cost and low-sensitivity spill-proof detection due to the use of electrical resistance-based detection methods, which are not effective in timely detection of overflow.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive detection device is integrated into the pot cover assembly, utilizing a capacitance-based spill-proof detection system that includes an electric conductor, insulator, and capacitance detection chip to detect changes in capacitance values when a medium contacts the detection surface, providing timely and reliable overflow detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical resistance-based detection method is used, then detection function is achieved, but cost is high and sensitivity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespill-proof detection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection device cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical resistance-based detection system with a capacitive detection system. The capacitive detection device uses capacitance changes rather than electrical resistance to detect liquid levels, achieving higher sensitivity and lower cost. The capacitive sensor includes a detection electrode and reference electrode that form a capacitor, where capacitance changes when liquid contacts the detection surface, providing more reliable spill-proof detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical resistance to capacitance. By measuring capacitance changes instead of resistance, the system achieves better sensitivity for liquid detection. The capacitive detection device measures the change in capacitance value when the dielectric constant changes due to liquid contact, providing more accurate and timely spill detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If electrical resistance-based detection device is used, then detection function is achieved, but detection timing is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespill-proof detection timingVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive detection device is positioned to detect capacitance changes before liquid actually overflows. The detection electrode is arranged to sense the approach of liquid through capacitance variation, enabling early warning and timely response. This preliminary detection capability allows the system to react before spill occurs, reducing loss of time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If capacitive detection device is used, then cost is reduced and detection sensitivity is improved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device costVSAvoiddetection device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive detection device serves multiple functions: it detects liquid levels, determines liquid types through dielectric constant analysis, and provides early warning signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, ultimately simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining low cost and high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 capacitive detection system reduces costs, decreases false judgment probabilities, and enhances the accuracy of spill-proof detection, ensuring timely prevention of overflows and improving the reliability of the cooking utensil.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitance value of the spill-proof detection device changes with change of a contact state between a medium and the detection surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3415046B1Pot cover assembly and cooking utensil having same
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA ELECTRICAL HEATING APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
  • EP3415046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3415046B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3415046B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a pot cover assembly (10) and a cooking utensil (1) having same. The pot cover assembly (10) comprises a pot cover body (11) and a spill-proof detection device (300), wherein the spill-proof detection device (300) is a capacitive detection device and is provided on the pot cover body (11), at least a lower surface of the spill-proof detection device (300) forms a detection plane (3200), and a capacitance value of the spill-proof detection device (300) is changed as a function of a contact medium of the detection plane (3200).