192: Losing is also winning

“First, the device you have contains water. While water is readily available, easy to obtain, and cost-free, it can corrode this component, so you’ll need to replace it later. Also, water freezes easily in winter, rendering the device inoperable during that season.

Second, you should design a safety mechanism. Imagine if the hydraulic cylinder suddenly ruptured while lifting something to a high place; the lift would plummet, and anyone on it would surely die.

The core challenges of this hydraulic lift lie in three key points: First, stable power; second, accurate pressure control; and third, a reliable medium inside. Currently, the medium is water, but you can try other mediums later.”

The two nodded solemnly, indicating they had remembered Xu Bai’s words.

Other teachers nearby also nodded, agreeing with what Xu Bai had said.

Xu Bai stopped speaking after these three points. Given the current situation, this was as far as it could go. This device might only be suitable for transporting items, and not to great heights.

To achieve the height of modern hydraulic lifts, mineral oil, electronic control, and multiple protections like hydraulic locks, speed limiters, and safety clamps would be required.

One step at a time.

He was afraid they wouldn’t understand if he said too much.

The students gathered around, listening to Xu Bai. Although some didn’t fully understand, they realized this ‘elevator’ wasn’t a true elevator but merely a lift, which left them a bit disappointed.

Immediately after,

the other teachers, based on their observations and Xu Bai’s comments, scored the cards.

Then it was the turn of the other side to present.

Xu Bai, holding Xu Le, wondered if he should walk back or just stand with the judging teachers.

Just as he was hesitating, he saw Teacher Bai nearby and felt relieved.

He didn’t know when he had also walked over… Everyone’s attention shifted to the other side.

Ji Jingping smiled at everyone.

“To demonstrate my product, I need electricity.”

Electricity?

What’s difficult about that?

Now that the training camp was built, every classroom had electrical outlets, allowing students to use electricity.

Li Xuangan, Teacher Li: “So, do we need to go back to the classroom?”

“No need.”

Xu Bai interjected. He pulled a cards from his pocket—a power strip cards.

This was a product Xu Bai had created because he didn’t want to get out of bed to turn off the lights.

Xu Bai inserted the cards into the cards reader, and a power strip with a very long cord appeared. He then looked around at the students.

“Zi Xuan, go plug this into the nearest outlet in the classroom next door.”

Zhao Zixuan scurried over, took the plug from Xu Bai, and walked towards the adjacent classroom.

Two minutes later, Zhao Zixuan returned. Xu Bai then pressed the button on the power strip. After seeing the indicator light up, he placed it next to Ji Jingping and gestured for him to plug in.

The onlookers, both students and teachers, were stunned.

What was this? It could even manually extend a cord!

If that were the case, couldn’t one cord in the village connect to thousands of households via power strips?

If one secretly plugged this into a neighbor’s house, wouldn’t their own home get free electricity too?

Xu Bai had no idea that some students were already thinking about stealing electricity because of this power strip… Ji Jingping saw Teacher Bai’s signal and plugged his device into the power strip.

Then he pressed the button.

Nothing miraculous happened.

“Ji Jingping, why don’t you first tell us what your product is called?”

A teacher directly asked Ji Jingping.

“Teacher, I call this cards the Electric Blanket cards. After plugging in the electric blanket, it will warm up after a while. In winter, the quilt often gets very cold, but with this, it won’t be cold anymore.”

After he finished speaking, everyone reached out to touch the electric blanket, feeling its temperature change.

After a while longer, the temperature indeed rose.

Ye Wenxiu: “Will this temperature keep rising? What if it gets too hot and someone gets heatstroke?”

“No, it won’t. Electric blankets are generally recommended to be on for about 10 minutes. If the time is too long, I’ve set up a fuse inside. If the temperature gets too hot, it will blow, cutting off the circuit, and it won’t continue to heat up.

However, the drawback is that the fuse needs to be replaced. Following Teacher Bai’s advice, I specifically made replacement component cardss, and replacing them is very convenient.”

Ji Jingping placed the electric blanket component cards on the table for everyone to see.

Xu Bai nodded. The other party had thought things through quite comprehensively, avoiding some safety hazards.

He also noticed that the outer material of the electric blanket was insulating, which would prevent the danger of electric leakage.

Xu Bai often emphasized electrical safety in class, fearing that students might be electrocuted, and Ji Jingping had taken his words to heart.

Li Xuangan, Teacher Li: “Alright, teachers, you can give your scores now.”

Since it was only a competition between two products, the scores were tallied quickly, and Ji Jingping was the winner.

Gao Wenhan and Xie Yongchao sighed sadly, still unable to beat the other party.

Xu Bai thought to himself that the electric blanket was indeed better.

Don’t forget that this is the era of cardss. Many products are directly contained within cardss. A single cards can be carried in a pocket, no heavy lifting required.

Furthermore, this hydraulic lift has height limitations and a relatively small scope of application.

The electric blanket is different. First, it can become a product people use every winter. In fact, its heating principle might even be applicable to other areas.

Xu Bai thought of the immersion heaters he used as a child to boil water… After the competition, everyone dispersed. Class was about to start in half an hour.

On his way back to the office, Xu Bai, holding Xu Le, saw a dejected Gao Wenhan and Xie Yongchao.

“Wait a moment, you two.”

Xu Bai called out to them. The two stopped and looked back, realizing it was Xu Bai who had called them, and immediately halted.

Xu Bai picked up Xu Le and quickly walked over to them.

“I just wanted to ask which teacher’s elective course you plan to choose?”

The two exchanged glances, their minds racing.

Had their antics today displeased the teacher? Would he not allow them to choose his course?

But this afternoon was the time to finalize electives, and they couldn’t escape it.

So they honestly replied: “Teacher, we both want to choose your course.”

“Oh, then it’s fine. I actually wanted to invite you to choose my course. You two are quite good.”

With that, Xu Bai, holding Xu Le, walked away with light steps.

The two watched Teacher Bai’s retreating figure, a warm current flowing through their hearts. They had been acknowledged by the teacher.

They felt that losing this competition wasn’t so bad after all.