Rotating Electric Kettle Temperature Control Without Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric kettles are not simple and intuitive to use, often requiring multiple button presses to set the desired water temperature, and lack reliable and safe temperature control.
Innovation Solution
An electric kettle with a rotating container body that uses angular movement detection to control the heating element, featuring a proximity sensor, light projection for user activation, and a wireless communication module for remote control, allowing intuitive temperature adjustment without buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electric kettles use multiple buttons for temperature setting, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical detection system. A light source projects a light beam, and a sensor detects the angular position of the container body by measuring the reflected light. This allows temperature selection through simple rotational movement rather than complex button sequences, directly improving ease of operation while maintaining temperature control functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric kettles add temperature setting functionality, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection to replace complex control interfaces. The light sensor system automatically detects the container's angular position and translates it into temperature settings, providing multiple temperature options without requiring users to learn complex button sequences. This maintains adaptability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If electric kettles use angular movement detection for temperature control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with an optical detection mechanism. A light source and sensor pair detect the container body's angular position through light reflection. This mechanical-optical system is simpler than implementing multiple buttons, switches, and complex control logic, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If electric kettles implement precise temperature control, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical detection to achieve precise angular position measurement. The light sensor system can accurately detect small angular changes of the container body, translating them into precise temperature control. This optical measurement approach provides high measurement precision without requiring complex temperature sensors or control algorithms, thus improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device 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 electric kettle provides a straightforward, natural, and safe user interface for precise temperature control, enabling intuitive operation similar to adjusting a mixer faucet, with remote control capabilities and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an electric element adapted to heat the water until it reaches boiling point
Implementation Method 2
means 6 for detecting the angular movement of the container body 2 with respect to the base 4
Implementation Method 3
at least one proximity sensor 7 adapted to determine the activation or shutdown of the electric heating means 3
Implementation Method 4
light projection means 8 configured to generate a light signal 9 proximate to the proximity sensor 7 and visible on the external surface of the electric kettle 1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3a
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An electric kettle (1) comprising a container body (2) comprising electric heating means (3) adapted to heat water contained in the container body (2), and comprising a base (4), configured to support the container body (2) and to supply electric power at least to such electric heating means (3) when the container body (2) is supported by the base (4); the container body (2) comprises a longitudinal extension axis (5) and is able to rotate, about the longitudinal extension axis (5), with respect to the base (4); the electric kettle further comprises means (6) for detecting the angular movement of the container body (2) with respect to the base (4), where the extent of the angular movement detected by the means for detecting angular movement (6) determines the degree of activation of the electric heating means (3) necessary in order to bring the water to a desired temperature.