Automatic air conditioner drain system sanitizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of condensate in air conditioner drain systems leads to bacterial growth, known as 'white slime,' which clogs the drain system, causing backups, mold issues, and significant water damage, especially with the transition from copper to aluminum tubing, necessitating a robust and cost-effective solution for automatic sanitization.
Innovation Solution
An automatic air conditioner drain system sanitizer that includes a pump, solution reservoir, and controller circuit board to periodically dispense a drain sanitizer solution into the condensate collection and removal drain system, using a peristaltic pump to prevent microorganism growth and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If copper tubing is used in evaporator coil systems, then bacterial growth is minimized due to antibacterial properties of copper ions, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aluminum tubing instead of copper tubing in evaporator coil systems. Aluminum is a cheaper, more cost-effective material that does not possess the same antibacterial properties as copper, necessitating the implementation of an external sanitizing system to control bacterial growth in the condensate drain system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sanitizing system as an intermediary component to compensate for the loss of antibacterial properties when using aluminum tubing. This sanitizing system includes a reservoir containing sanitizing solution and a delivery mechanism that periodically dispenses the solution into the condensate drain system to control bacterial growth.
2Ease of manufacture
If aluminum tubing is used to cut costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but bacterial production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic sanitizing system that proactively dispenses sanitizing solution into the condensate drain system before significant bacterial growth occurs. The system uses a timer or sensor-based controller to automatically schedule sanitizing cycles, preventing bacterial buildup rather than reacting to it after problems arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a periodic dispensing mechanism that releases sanitizing solution at predetermined intervals into the condensate drain system. This periodic action maintains consistent bacterial control without requiring continuous application of sanitizing agents, optimizing both effectiveness and resource usage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If condensate backup detection switch is installed, then mold growth is prevented when backup occurs, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sanitizing system that automatically maintains the condensate drain system without requiring user intervention. The system includes a built-in reservoir, pump or gravity-fed delivery mechanism, and controller that automatically dispense sanitizing solution on a periodic basis or in response to sensor inputs, enabling the system to sanitize itself without external assistance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual sanitization is performed, then bacterial growth can be controlled, but maintenance time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sanitizing system that automatically maintains the condensate drain system without requiring user intervention. The system includes a built-in reservoir, pump or gravity-fed delivery mechanism, and controller that automatically dispense sanitizing solution on a periodic basis or in response to sensor inputs, enabling the system to sanitize itself without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a continuous or periodic sanitizing mechanism that maintains consistent bacterial control in the condensate drain system. Rather than relying on intermittent manual intervention, the system continuously or regularly applies sanitizing solution to prevent bacterial growth, ensuring uninterrupted protection against clogs and mold.
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
Effectively prevents bacterial growth and clogging in air conditioner drain systems, reducing maintenance costs and preventing water damage by continuously sanitizing the condensate collection and removal pathways.
Implementation Method 1
using a peristaltic pump to prevent microorganism growth and clogging
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an automatic air conditioner drain system sanitizer, including a pump moving a plurality of drain sanitizer solution from a pump inlet to a pump outlet automatically. Embodiments may also include a solution reservoir containing a drain sanitizer solution. In some embodiments, the solution reservoir includes a solution reservoir lid, an atmospheric equalization vent, and a solution reservoir tubing coupler. In some embodiments, the pump draws the drain sanitizer solution into the pump from the solution reservoir. Embodiments may also include a pump controller circuit board which operates the pump. Embodiments may also include a wireless communications circuit board which provides control, settings adjustments, system dispensing history data and system overall health status.