This project required us to design a new kitchen mixer, with the use of standard internal components, and the incorporation of and induction heating system. The brief was based on the Cobra Product Design Competition 2014, and the judging criteria was:
Innovation and uniqueness of design and materials used.
Fit for purpose (does it meet its basic operating principals by definition).
Marketing potential.
Quality of aesthetics.
Manufacturability of the design.
Promotion of water efficiency.
Innovation and uniqueness of design and materials used.
Fit for purpose (does it meet its basic operating principals by definition).
Marketing potential.
Quality of aesthetics.
Manufacturability of the design.
Promotion of water efficiency.
Concept sketches, inspirational existing mixers, inspirational patterns and colours.
The wires from the induction unit, thermostat, potentiometer, and power inlet all lead into a control box which would has a circuit board inside. The thermostat is set so it reads the signal from the potentiometer and then reads when the water is at the correct temperature, the circuit board will then control when the induction unit will be on, and how much current to send through it in order to control the temperature.
The Ceramic spout of the tap can be customized according to your own taste or preference. On can also match the colour of the metal to whatever spout the wish.
Another idea for the ceramic spout would be to paint it with thermal paint and then the pattern only appears when hot water is running. This could be an exciting and fun effect.
