Claims:
1. A system (200) for breaking power supply to a heating element (240) of a heating apparatus, the system (200) comprising:
a sensing device (250) detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) to generate an input signal (I); and
a controller (260) configured to initiate a time count upon receipt of the input signal (I) and transmit an output signal (O) after the time count exceeds predetermined limit to activate a circuit breaker (270) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing device (250) is a sensor in wired or wireless signal communication with the heating element (240).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker (270) is a relay switch unit in wired or wireless signal communication with the controller (260).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (260) comprises a timer unit (265) that is configured to store the time count for setting or resetting the time count to zero upon detection of power supply in the heating element (240).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating apparatus is restarted to restore power supply to the heating element (240).
6. A method for breaking power supply to a heating element (240) of a heating apparatus, the method comprising steps of:
detecting disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) by a sensing device (250) for generating an input signal (I); and
initiating a time count upon receiving the input signal (I) by a controller (260) and transmitting an output signal (O) after the time count is exceeding predetermined limit for activating a circuit breaker (270) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240).
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)

&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10, Rule 13]
1.: TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM FOR BREAKING POWER SUPPLY TO HEATING ELEMENT OF HEATING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR
2. APPLICANT
a) Name : Bajaj Electricals Ltd.
b) Nationality : Indian
c) Address : 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Fort Mumbai - 400001, Maharashtra, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER OF PERFORMING THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for breaking power supply to a heating element of a heating apparatus. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and a method for breaking power supply to the heating element of water heating apparatus’ such as water heater, water boiler, iron used for pressing garments, heating coil based room heater used in winters, etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[002] Presently known system for breaking power supply to the heating element of any heating apparatus involves use of a temperature regulating device. Referring to accompanying Fig. 1, a schematic view of the known system (100) for breaking power supply to the heating element (140) of the heating apparatus, is seen. The known system (100) consists of the temperature regulating device, namely a thermostat (130). During operation of the known system (100), power supply in form of AC current is supplied by an AC current source (110) to the thermostat (130) through a secondary cut out device (120). The thermostat (130) enables cutting in and/or cutting out of power supply to the heating element (140) by means of a bi-metallic strip (not shown). Continuous cutting in and/or cutting out of the thermostat (130) depends on increase and/or decrease in temperature of a ‘subject’ that is heated by the heating element (140) of the heating apparatus. Here, the said subject includes, the water which is heated by the water heater/ water boiler, or the sole plate which is heated from by the iron, or the ambient air which is heated by the heating coil based room heater, etc.
[003] The thermostat (130) cuts in to supply power to the heating element (140) during decrease in temperature of the subject below predefined limit. Whereas, the thermostat (130) cuts out or temporarily breaks power supply to the heating element (140) when temperature of the subject increases above another predefined limit.
[004] During non-use of the heating apparatus by a user, the thermostat (130) still remains in operation and continuously cuts in and cuts out depending upon increase and/or decrease in temperature of the subject, thereby causing wastage of power/electricity. Moreover, prolonged idleness or non-use of the heating apparatus by the user also leads to excessive wastage of power/electricity. Further, wear and tear of the thermostat (130) due to continuous cutting in and cutting cannot be avoided. Furthermore, continuous cutting in and cutting out of the thermostat (130) causes continuous heating of the subject that is heated by the heating apparatus. Therefore, such continuous heating of the subject can cause accidents such as fire and/or explosion during prolonged idleness or non-use of the heating apparatus by the user. Hence, there is requirement to provide a system and a method for breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus during idle or non-use state of the heating apparatus for saving power/electricity for reducing cost of operating the heating apparatus to the user. There is also requirement for avoiding accidents, such as explosion and fire hazard caused due to continuous heating of the subject which is heated by the heating apparatus.
[005] Therefore, there is need for a solution wherein at least one of the above drawbacks seen in the prior art can be obviated.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention as per an embodiment provides a system for breaking power supply to a heating element of a heating apparatus, the system comprising: a sensing device detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element to generate an input signal; and a controller configured to initiate a time count upon receipt of the input signal and transmit an output signal after the time count exceeds predetermined limit to activate a circuit breaker for breaking power supply to the heating element.
[007] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing device is a sensor, wherein the sensing device is in wired or wireless signal communication with the heating element.
[008] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker is a relay switch unit in wired or wireless signal communication with the controller.
[009] As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to store the time count for setting or resetting the time count to zero upon detection of power supply in the heating element.
[010] As per still another embodiment of the present invention, the heating apparatus is restarted to restore power supply to the heating element.
[011] Further, a method for shutting power supply to a heating element of a heating apparatus as per an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein, wherein the method comprising steps of: detecting disconnection of power supply to the heating element by a sensing device for generating an input signal; and initiating a time count upon receiving the input signal by a controller and transmitting an output signal after the time count is exceeding predetermined limit for activating a circuit breaker for shutting power supply to the heating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[012] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a system for breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus as seen in the prior art.
[013] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a system for breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[014] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus, as per an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[015] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
[016] The subject matter is now described regarding the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like features/elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that such matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well–known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention.
[017] Referring to the accompanying Fig. 2, a schematic view of the system (200) for breaking power supply to a heating element (240) of a heating apparatus as per an embodiment of the present invention, is seen. The system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a heating element (240), a sensing device (250), a controller (260) having a timer unit (265) and a circuit breaker (270).
[018] Again referring to the accompanying Fig. 2, the system (200) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240) of the heating apparatus as per an embodiment of the present invention is comprising: a sensing device (250) which detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) to generate an input signal (I); and a controller (260) configured to initiate a time count upon receipt of the input signal (I) and transmit an output signal (O) after the time count exceeds predetermined limit to activate a circuit breaker (270) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating element (240) is a metallic coil with high conductive properties.
[019] The sensing device (250) is a sensor which is in wired or wireless signal communication with the heating element (240) as per an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensing device (250) is a current detecting sensor. However, it shall be clear to a person skilled in the art that any type or make of sensing device (250) can be implemented in the system (200) as per various embodiments of the present invention, which may include voltage detecting sensor, power detecting sensor, resistance detecting sensor, etc.
[020] The circuit breaker (270) is a relay switch unit which is in wired or wireless signal communication with the controller (260), as per another embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker (270) is a SPDT – Single Pole Double Throw type relay switch unit.
[021] The controller (260) as per yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a timer unit (265) that is configured to store the time count for setting or resetting the time count to zero upon detection of power supply in the heating element (240).
[022] Further, the heating apparatus is restarted to restore power supply to the heating element (240), as per still another embodiment of the present invention.
[023] As per further embodiment of the present invention, a method for breaking power supply to a heating element (240) of a heating apparatus is disclosed herein. The said method comprises steps of: detecting disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) by a sensing device (250) for generating an input signal (I); and initiating a time count upon receiving the input signal (I) by a controller (260) and transmitting an output signal (O) after the time count is exceeding predetermined limit for activating a circuit breaker (270) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240).
[024] During operation, power supply is supplied to the system (200) through various routes, in form of AC current by an AC current source (210), as per embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, power supply in form of AC current passes from the AC current source (210) through a secondary cut-out (220) towards the thermostat (230), and thereafter to the heating element (240) through the circuit breaker (270). In another embodiment of the present invention, power supply in form of AC current passes from the AC current source (210) through the secondary cut-out (220) followed by a by-pass switch, towards a power module (P) of the system (200). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, power supply in form of AC current passes from the AC current source (210) through a secondary cut-out (220) towards the sensing device (250), and thereafter to the heating element (240). In this way, the components that make up the system (200) are electrically connected with the AC current/power source (210), as per embodiments of the present invention.
[025] The power supply in form of AC current passes through the heating element (240), thereby heating the heating element (240). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating element (240) heats the subject such as: water in case of water heater / water boiler, or the sole plate in case of iron, or ambient air in case of coil based room heater. The temperature of the subject is controlled by the thermostat (230) as seen in the prior art. Once temperature of the subject surpasses predetermined limit, the thermostat (230) cuts out, thereby temporarily breaking power supply to the heating element (240). The power supply remains temporarily disconnected until next cut in by the thermostat (230) occurs due to reduction of temperature in the subject. Hence, continuous cutting in and/or cutting out by the thermostat (230) ensures that temperature of the subject is optimum for its final use by the user.
[026] During idle or non-use state of the heating apparatus, the system (200) as per an embodiment of the present invention which comprises the sensing device (250) detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) to generate the input signal (I). The sensing device (250) particularly detects disconnection of power supply when the thermostat (230) cuts out, and hence power supply to the heating element (240) is thereby disconnected. Immediately upon detecting disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240), the sensing device (250) transmits the input signal (I) to the controller (260), whereupon the controller (260) initiates the time count in the timer unit (265). If the time count exceeds predetermined limit of say 90 minutes as per preferred embodiment of the present invention, then the controller (260) transmits the output signal (O) to activate the circuit breaker (270) which breaks power supply to the heating element (240).In this way, the system (200) is enabled to break power supply to the heating element (240) of the heating apparatus, especially during prolonged idleness or non-use of the heating apparatus. Hence, the heating apparatus completely shuts down and needs to be restarted by the user for using it again. The person skilled in the art shall understand that predetermined limit of the time count may be set and/or customized between few minutes and many hours.
[027] It is noteworthy that the system (200) works optimally between successive cut out and cut in of the thermostat (230). Therefore, time frame between any successive cut out and cut in of the thermostat (230) mustal ways be more than predetermined limit of the time count. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, as the thermostat (230) cuts out, the sensing device (250) detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) and transmits the input signal (I) to the controller (260). Immediately upon receipt of the signal (I), the controller (260) prompts the timer unit (265) to start the time count from zero (0) toward predetermined limit of (x) units. The time count from zero (0) to (x) units is interrupted only when the user operates or uses the heating apparatus before the time count reaches predetermined limit equaling to (x) units. As a result, the timer unit (265) resets the time count to zero (0)caused due to the user using or operating the heating apparatus before the time count has reached predetermined limit of (x) units. It can also be said that the timer unit (265) is configured to store the time count, wherein the timer unit (265) sets the time count at zero (0) when the user freshly starts or restarts the heating apparatus. The timer unit (265) is also configured to reset the time count to zero (0) upon detection of power supply in the heating element (240) after the thermostat (230) has cut in resulting from decrease in temperature of the subject caused by use of the heating apparatus by the user.
[028] On the other hand, if the time count progresses to reach predetermined limit of (x) units, it means that the heating apparatus is in idle or non-use state. There upon, the controller (260) immediately transmits the output signal (O) to prompt the circuit breaker (270) to completely break power supply to the heating element (240).
[029] It is noteworthy that the time count between zero (0) and predetermined limit of (x) units must be complete before next cut in by the thermostat (230) occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to set predetermined limit of (x) units in the timer unit (265) by considering minimum amount of time taken by the thermostat (230) to cut in next. The amount of time taken by the thermostat (230) to cut in next differs for every heating apparatus. For example, the timer unit (265) in the controller (260) is configured to store predetermined limit of 90 minutes in a water heater, as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In fact, whenever next cut in by the thermostat (230) occurs, then it means that the heating apparatus is being used by the user and the system (200) may not be required in that case. It shall be clear to the person skilled in the art that the system (200) operates in-between successive cut out and cut in of the thermostat (230), and therefore the system (200) functions independently of the thermostat (230).In fact, the system (200) begins operating immediately after cut out by the thermostat (230) occurs, and disallows next cut in by the thermostat (230) when the time count reaches predetermined limit of (x) units, thereby prompting the controller (260) to signal the circuit breaker (270) to break power supply in the heating element (240) completely.
[030] Referring to the accompanying Fig.3, a flowchart showing the method steps executed for breaking power supply to a heating element of a heating apparatus as per an embodiment of the present invention is seen. The method comprises steps of detecting disconnection of power supply to the heating element (240) by a sensing device (250) for generating an input signal (I). Upon receiving the input signal (I), the controller (260) begins step of initiating the time count. Only upon exceeding of predetermined limit of the time count, the controller (260) initiates steps of transmitting of an output signal (O) for activating the circuit breaker (270) for breaking power supply to the heating element (240). Once again, the predetermined limit of the time count is set at 90 minutes in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the same can be changed, altered, set, reset or customized, as per requirements.
[031] Again, referring to the accompanying Fig. 3, logical flow of the method steps can be seen. Therefore, the sensing device (not shown) in signal communication with the heating element (340), wherein the sensing device (not shown) detects disconnection of power supply to the heating element (340) and transmits the input signal to the controller (360).
[032] The timer unit (365) is denoted in circle seen in Fig. 3 as it is inside the controller (360). The timer unit (365) initiates the time count upon receiving the input signal (I). If the heating element (340) comes in use by the user after initiation of the time count, then the time count is set or reset to zero. However, if the heating element (340) is in idle or non-use state, then the time count keeps ticking and upon reaching predetermined limit of 90 minutes as in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, prompts the controller (360) for transmitting the output signal (O) to the circuit breaker (370) to break the overall power supply to the heating element (340), thereby shutting the heating apparatus completely.
[033] As per embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and a method for breaking power supply to the heating element of the heating apparatus during idleness or non-use state of the heating apparatus, thereby saving power/electricity and hence reducing cost of operating the heating apparatus to the user. The system (200) and method disclosed herein ensures that continuous cutting in and cutting out of the thermostat (230) is avoided, and hence wear and tear of the thermostat (230) is minimized. Furthermore, accidents such as explosion or fire hazard caused due to continuous heating of the subject by the heating element (240), are also avoided.
LIST OF REFERNCE NUMERALS
100 –System for breaking power supply to heating element in heating apparatus as seen in prior art
200 – System for breaking power supply to heating element in heating apparatus as per an embodiment of the present invention
110, 210 – AC current source
120, 220 – Secondary cut–out
130, 230 – Thermostat
140, 240, 340 – Heating element
250 – Sensing device
260, 360 – Controller
265, 365 – Timer unit in the controller
270, 370 – Circuit breaker
P – Power source
I – Input signal
O – Output signal