DESC:The present invention pertains to an advanced control system for immersion-type
heaters, designed to significantly enhance the precision, efficiency, and safety of liquid
heating processes. This system comprises two primary components: a floating and/or
clip-type probe and an external host control unit, each incorporating multiple features
25 to improve overall functionality and user experience.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the probe device can
be either floated on the surface of the liquid or securely clipped to the side of the
12
container. This probe is encased in a weatherproof housing to ensure durability and
functionality in various environmental conditions. The probe includes an LED display
that provides real-time temperature and timer readings, allowing users to closely
monitor the heating process. The display shows at least two digits, ensuring clear and
5 precise visibility of the current heating status.
To facilitate user interaction and customization, the probe is equipped with multiple
switches. These switches enable users to set desired temperature and time parameters,
offering a level of control that significantly surpasses that of conventional immersion
10 heaters. Additionally, the probe integrates an alarm module that alerts the user when
the set temperature or timer has been reached, enhancing safety and convenience. The
probe is powered by an integrated battery, ensuring its operability independent of
external power sources, which enhances its portability and usability in various settings.
It also includes multiple sensors capable of providing highly accurate temperature
15 measurements, which are crucial for processes that require stringent temperature
controls.
The external host control unit acts as the central processing hub of the system. It
includes a socket or terminal block for connecting the immersion heater, drawing
20 power from the mains to regulate the heater's operation based on the data received from
the probe. The control unit is equipped with a receiver that captures control signals and
temperature data transmitted wirelessly from the probe. This data is then used to adjust
the heating power accordingly, ensuring that the liquid is heated to the desired
temperature without the risk of exceeding it.
25
The control unit also features LED indicators that provide visual feedback regarding
the heating operation's current status. These indicators show whether the heater is on
or off, the current temperature, and any error conditions that might arise, facilitating
13
quick and easy monitoring of the entire process. The control unit is designed with
programmable scheduling, remote control functionality, and memory storage for
retention or alert for restoration of operation in power outages, providing users with
advanced control and convenience.
5
Referring to Figure 1, the detailed structure and function of the system can be
understood more clearly. The system is composed of an operative control system (1)
and an immersion-type heater (2). The control system (1) is designed to manage the
complexities and limitations of traditional immersion heating methods through
10 advanced technological integration and automation.
The operative control system (1) includes two primary components: a probe (3) and an
external host control unit (1). The probe (3) can float on the liquid's surface or be
clipped to the side of the container. It is designed with a weatherproof housing,
15 ensuring durability and reliability under various environmental conditions. The probe
(3) includes an LED display (34) that shows real-time temperature and timer readings.
The display provides clear visibility of the current status of the heating process, with
at least two digits for temperature indication.
20 The probe (3) is equipped with multiple switches (4) that allow users to set desired
temperature and time parameters. These switches offer a high level of customization
and control, surpassing conventional immersion heaters. Additionally, the probe (3)
integrates an alarm module (5) that alerts users when the set temperature or timer is
reached. This feature enhances safety and convenience by preventing overheating and
25 allowing timely intervention. The probe (3) is powered by an integrated battery (6),
ensuring operability independent of external power sources, which enhances portability
and usability in various settings. It also includes multiple sensors (7) that provide
14
highly accurate temperature measurements, crucial for processes requiring stringent
temperature controls.
The external host control unit (1) acts as the system's central processing hub. It includes
5 a socket (8) or terminal block for connecting the immersion heater (2) and draws power
from the mains to regulate the heater's operation based on the data received from the
probe (3). The control unit (1) is equipped with a receiver (9) that captures control
signals and temperature data transmitted wirelessly from the probe (3). This data is
then used to adjust the heating power, accordingly, ensuring that the liquid is heated to
10 the desired temperature without exceeding it.
The control unit (1) also features LED indicators (10) that provide visual feedback on
the heating operation's status. These indicators show whether the heater (2) is on or off,
the current temperature, and any error conditions, facilitating quick and easy
15 monitoring of the entire process. The control unit (1) is designed with programmable
scheduling, remote control functionality, and memory storage for retaining or alerting
restoration of operation in power outages, providing users with advanced control and
convenience.
20 To validate the effectiveness of the invention, a series of tests were conducted focusing
on various parameters such as temperature accuracy, response time, energy efficiency,
and user safety. The testing procedure involved setting the probe (3) to specific
temperatures and monitoring the time taken for the immersion heater (2) to achieve
these temperatures, the stability of the temperature over time, and the system's response
25 to changes in environmental conditions. Additionally, the safety features were tested
under different scenarios to evaluate their reliability in preventing overheating and
electrical faults.
15
The results accrued from these tests were highly encouraging. The system
demonstrated exceptional accuracy in reaching and maintaining desired temperatures
with minimal deviations observed. The response times were quick, with the control
unit (1) efficiently adjusting the heating power in real-time based on the feedback from
5 the probe (3). The energy efficiency of the system was also notable, as the precise
temperature control reduced the need for prolonged heating, thereby saving energy.
Most importantly, the safety tests confirmed that the system's over-temperature
protection and short-circuit protection features were effective in mitigating potential
risks, thereby ensuring a safe operational environment.
10
Specifically, the system maintained a consistent temperature within a variance of less
than 0.5°C, demonstrating superior accuracy compared to traditional immersion
heaters. The response time to temperature changes was less than 10 seconds, ensuring
rapid adjustments and stable heating conditions. Energy consumption was reduced by
15 approximately 20% compared to conventional systems, highlighting the system's
efficiency. Safety tests under simulated fault conditions, including deliberate
overheating and short-circuit scenarios, showed that the system successfully prevented
hazardous outcomes, with automatic shutoff and alarm activation occurring as
designed.
20
In conclusion, the detailed description of the invention provides substantial support for
the claims regarding its functionality, safety, and efficiency. The integration of
advanced features such as real-time temperature and timer controls, customizable user
settings, integrated safety mechanisms, and wireless connectivity significantly
25 enhances the utility and applicability of immersion heaters. This inventive system not
only meets the needs of modern industrial and domestic applications but also sets a
new standard for the design and operation of immersion heating systems. Through its
innovative components and thoughtful features, the present invention promises to
16
transform the application of immersion heaters across a wide spectrum of industries
and uses. ,CLAIMS:1. An operative control system (1) for an immersion type heater (2), comprising:
a floating and/or a clip-type probe (3), and an external host control unit (1);
the floating and/or the clip-type probe (3) has a weatherproof housing, and
includes:
15 an LED display with at least 2 digits to indicate temperature and a timer;
multiple switches for user-defined parameter settings, including desired
temperature or time duration of an operation;
an alarm module to signal completion of a desired timer, and/or a
desired temperature set by a user before clipping/placing the probe (3)
20 in a liquid;
a battery integrated within the probe (3) to provide power;
at least one sensor for measuring the temperature of the immersed
liquid;
wireless connectivity to connect with the external host control unit (1);
25 Characterized in that,
the external host control unit (1) in a socket (4) or a terminal block, wherein the
host control unit (1) connects the immersion heater (2), and draws power from
the mains;
17
a receiver to receive control signals from the probe (3) immersed in liquid;
at least one LED indicator to display the status of the heating operation; and
the host control system (1) is configured to monitor, regulate liquids
temperature, or cut-off based on the desired temperature or timer.
5
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external host control unit (1) includes
features like programmable scheduling, remote control functionality, and memory
storage for retention or alert for restoration of operation in power outages.
10 3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating or clip-type probe (3)
enables easy immersion in liquids without interfering with the heating process.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configurable wireless connectivity
allows flexible and efficient communication between the probe (3) and the host
15 control unit.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LED indicators provide visual
feedback on the status of the heating operation, simplifying user interaction.
20 6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system enhances the durability of
the immersion heater (2) and reduces scaling due to hardness of the liquids
especially water.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system functionality ensures precise
25 temperature control and results in saving of energy in heating process.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system with precise temperature
control of heating of the liquids, stalls wastage, especially when heating water for
domestic use.
18
9. A method of using the operative control system of an immersion type heater (2),
comprising the steps of:
a. setting desired temperature and time parameters using the switches on
5 the floating or clip-type probes (3);
b. immersing the floating or clip-type probe (3) into the liquid to be heated;
c. connecting the host control unit to the immersion heater (2);
d. the host control unit (1) receives and stores user-defined temperature
and timer settings from the probe (3);
10 e. the host control unit (1) controls the power supply to the immersion
heater (2) based on the temperature and timer data received from the
probe (3);
f. receiving notification from the probe's (3) alarm module when the
desired temperature or timer setting is reached;
15 g. observing LED indicators on the control unit to determine the current
status of the heating operation;
h. upon completion of the desired heating process or when the user decides
to stop the heating operation, turning off the immersion heater (2);
i. removing from the liquid and switching off the probe device (3), and
20 disconnecting the control unit from the immersion heater (2).