Automatic Animal Watering Assembly with Integrated Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watering devices for animals lack automated and safe temperature control for water dispensing, which can lead to either under-heated or over-heated water, potentially causing discomfort or health hazards.
Innovation Solution
An automatic animal watering assembly with a base containing a bowl section and a receiver section, integrated heating unit, temperature sensor, and control unit that regulates the heating unit to maintain a safe operational temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring the water is heated to a comfortable 80.0 degrees Fahrenheit, while also featuring a plug mechanism and lever system for easy filling and water dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating unit is integrated into the watering device, then water temperature can be maintained at a comfortable level, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is integrated directly into the base of the watering device, merging the heating function with the water storage and dispensing structure. This combination allows temperature control while maintaining a compact, unified device design rather than using separate heating equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor continuously monitors the water temperature and provides feedback to a control unit, which automatically regulates the heating unit's operation. This closed-loop feedback system maintains comfortable water temperature without requiring manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated temperature control is implemented, then safety against burns is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and control unit create an automated feedback system that continuously monitors water temperature and adjusts heating accordingly. This prevents overheating and burn risks without requiring complex manual monitoring or intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-regulation of water temperature through the automated control system, eliminating the need for user intervention to prevent burns. The system serves itself by automatically detecting and correcting temperature issues, reducing safety risks while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If a plug mechanism with lever system is added for easy filling, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be lifted by a lever mechanism. This dynamic element enables easy opening for filling and automatic closing for sealing, improving ease of operation while using a simple mechanical lever system rather than complex automated mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a safe and efficient method for maintaining optimal water temperature, ensuring animals can access comfortably heated water without the risk of burns, while allowing for easy filling and dispensing, thus addressing the safety and efficiency concerns of previous devices.
Implementation Method 1
integrated heating unit, temperature sensor, and control unit that regulates the heating unit to maintain a safe operational temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring the water is heated to a comfortable 80.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensor, and control unit that regulates the heating unit
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic animal watering assembly includes a base that has a bowl section therein and a receiver section. A container is removably inserted into the receiver section of the base. The container contains water and the container releases the water into the bowl section. The container has an opening extending through a top end of the container for filling the container. A plug is movably positioned within the container. The plug is positionable in a closed position and an open position. A lid is hingedly coupled to the top end of the container. A lever is pivotally coupled to the container and the plug rests on the lever. The lever lifts the plug when the lever is lifted and the lever lowers the plug when the lever is lowered. The lever is in mechanical communication with the lid such that the lid lowers and lifts the lever.