Boiler Iron Waterless Detection Using Thermostat Off-Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water detection methods for pump boilers require hardware architectures, increasing the cost and complexity of the iron, whereas the proposed method uses temperature performance differences to determine water presence without additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
A waterless detection method utilizing a normal close thermostat and a control device connected via a signal line, where the control device analyzes the on and off state information of the thermostat to judge water presence based on preset time values, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring switch with magnet and floater is used to detect water presence, then water detection function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water detection system (spring switch, magnet, floater) with a thermal field-based detection method. The control device analyzes the off time of the existing thermostat to infer water presence, eliminating the need for mechanical detection components while achieving the same functional goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing thermostat serve a dual function: not only does it control temperature by cutting off power to the heating pan, but its off time also serves as an indicator for water presence detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection hardware.
2Reliability
If a metal probe is used in the water pipe for water detection, then water presence is detected through resistance change, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical resistance-based metal probe detection system with a thermal time-based detection method. By analyzing the off time of the thermostat, the system achieves water detection without requiring metal probes or resistance measurement circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the thermostat serve multiple functions: temperature control and water presence detection. The same thermostat component that regulates heating also provides detection information through its off time characteristic, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware.
3Reliability
If additional water detection hardware is added to the boiler iron, then water detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing thermostat provides both temperature control and water detection functions. By utilizing the off time information from the thermostat that already exists in the system, the patent eliminates the need for additional detection components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat is designed to perform multiple functions: primary temperature regulation and secondary water presence detection. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve water detection capability without adding separate components, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If additional water detection hardware is added to the boiler iron, then water detection capability is improved, but device space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical water detection hardware (which would occupy space in the boiler structure) with a software-based detection method that utilizes temporal information from the thermostat. This substitution eliminates the need for additional physical components and the space they would occupy.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat's existing structure and operation provide the detection function. By utilizing the off time information already generated by the thermostat during normal operation, the system achieves water detection without requiring additional space for detection components.
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
This approach reduces costs and saves space by using existing thermal system characteristics to detect water absence, preventing pump damage from dry operation, and simplifies manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a heating pan is disposed in the bottom of the boiler to heat the water to be steam
Implementation Method 2
a normal close thermostat of the constant temperature boiler
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided with a waterless detection method and a waterless detection device of a boiler iron and an iron applied with the device thereof. The present invention is applied with a normal close thermostat of the constant temperature boiler and a control device, a signal line between the thermostat of the traditional boiler iron and the control device to send the off and on information of the thermostat to the control device. The control device can judge the presence of the water in the water tank according to the empiric value of the actual heating system, preventing the pump from damage due to empty pumped. Compared to the traditional iron with other hardware detection device, the present invention costs lower with simple manufactory. And It saves more space for other component of the iron as well.