Power supply and temperature control assembly for an electric appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical appliance heating elements with copper coatings degrade over time, exposing the iron core and leading to rust, pitting, and potential overheating of the power supply due to decreased conductivity and increased insulating properties of stainless steel coatings.
Innovation Solution
An electrical heating assembly with a stainless steel-coated iron rod and an extended contact receptacle system that increases the contact area between the heating element and power supply, preventing overheating by proportionally increasing the length and surface area of the contact rods and receptacles to match the electrical power demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a copper coating is used on the heating element, then conductivity is improved, but the coating degrades over time leading to rust and pitting
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element uses a composite structure with an iron core providing structural integrity and a stainless steel coating providing corrosion resistance. This composite material approach allows the element to maintain both durability and functional performance over time, avoiding the degradation issues of copper coatings while preserving electrical conductivity through proper material selection and design.
2Reliability
If a stainless steel coating is used on the heating element, then durability is improved, but conductivity decreases causing power supply overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters including the thickness of the stainless steel coating, the dimensions and surface area of contact rods and receptacles, and the materials used in the electrical connection system. By optimizing these parameters, the design compensates for the lower conductivity of stainless steel through increased contact area and improved thermal management, preventing power supply overheating while maintaining durability.
3Temperature
If the contact area between heating element and power supply is increased, then overheating is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the contact rods and receptacles in the vertical dimension, increasing their length and surface area available for thermal and electrical contact. This dimensional extension provides additional cooling surface area and improved electrical connection without requiring complex multi-component assemblies, thereby managing power supply temperature through geometric optimization rather than system complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents overheating of the power supply while maintaining the durability of stainless steel coatings, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the appliance without sacrificing performance or affordability.
Implementation Method 1
an iron-encased electrical wire which is coated with copper to improve conductivity
Implementation Method 2
due to decreased conductivity and increased insulating properties of stainless steel
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical appliance comprising a heating element, the heating element including a heating wire, the heating wire encased within an iron shell, the iron shell having an exterior surface, and a first coating layer disposed on the exterior surface of the shell, wherein the first coating layer is stainless steel. The appliance also includes a power supply. The power supply includes a heating element, a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the appliance, and a temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor to maintain the appliance within a desired temperature range. The power supply also includes at least one electrical contact rod operatively engaged with the appliance to supply electrical power to the heating element, and at least one contact receptacle adapted to accept the at least one electrical contact rod. The at least one contact receptacle has a length proportional to the electrical power supplied to the appliance to prevent overheating of the power supply.