Waterproof Hotplate Ring Structure for Moisture-Safe Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hotplates are not designed to operate safely in moist or wet environments, as liquids can reach the electric heating element, leading to electrical hazards and reduced efficiency due to thermal conductivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A hotplate design featuring a metal plate part with an electric heating element on the lower side, enclosed by a watertight ring of electrically insulating plastic that absorbs thermal expansion, providing both electrical and thermal insulation, and a bowl-shaped shell to prevent moisture from reaching the heating element, with a self-closing slot for the power cord and a snap connection for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electric heating element is exposed on the lower side of the plate part, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical safety is compromised in moist environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating plastic ring as an intermediary component between the metal plate part and the mounting surface. This ring provides both electrical insulation to prevent short circuits in moist environments and thermal insulation to maintain heat transfer efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical safety and heat transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically insulating plastic ring acts as a flexible sealing element that accommodates thermal expansion of the metal plate while maintaining the waterproof seal. The flexibility of this thin-walled structure allows it to deform slightly with plate expansion without compromising the electrical insulation or requiring complex rigid constraints.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the plate part is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then mounting stability is improved, but thermal expansion stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by using an elastic plastic ring instead of rigid fasteners. This allows the mounting structure to accommodate dimensional changes of the plate during heating (thermal expansion) while maintaining stable positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between mounting stability and thermal expansion stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic plastic ring provides beforehand cushioning for thermal expansion by its inherent elasticity. When the metal plate expands due to heating, the ring can deform to accommodate this expansion, preventing stress concentration and potential damage to the mounting structure or plate itself.
3Reliability
If a waterproof seal is implemented to prevent liquid contact, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically insulating plastic ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, creates a waterproof seal, and accommodates thermal expansion. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent achieves improved electrical safety without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of electrically insulating plastic material combines electrical insulation properties with elastic sealing capabilities in a single material. This composite approach (combining insulation and elasticity) allows the ring to provide both electrical safety and waterproofing functions without requiring multiple separate components.
4Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is enhanced to improve electrical efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but heat transfer to the plate is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation only at the peripheral mounting area through the plastic ring, while the central heating area of the metal plate remains exposed for efficient heat transfer. This localized insulation approach prevents energy loss at the mounting interface without compromising the overall heat transfer performance of the hotplate.
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
Ensures electrical safety and efficiency by preventing liquid from reaching the heating element, improving thermal insulation, and allowing for easy installation and cleaning, while maintaining a waterproof seal and effective heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically insulating plastic of which the ring is made is so elastically flexible that said ring can absorb thermal expansion of the plate part of the order of 0.4 to 0.6 mm
Implementation Method 2
the electrically insulating plastic of which the ring is made is so elastically flexible that said ring can absorb thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
Since the thermal conductivity of electrically insulating plastics is relatively low, at any rate compared with the thermal conductivity of the metal plate part, a thermal bridge relative to the surrounding construction is also created
Implementation Method 4
an electric heating element fixed on the lower side of the plate part and equipped for heating said plate part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hotplate (10), comprising a metal plate part (11) and an electric heating element (15) fixed on the lower side of the plate part (11). The hotplate (10) furthermore comprises a ring (31). The ring (31) is made of electrically insulating plastic, and the plate edge (24) is accommodated in a watertight manner on the inside of the ring (31).