Capacitive Condensate Level Sensing for Air Conditioner Drain Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face issues with water level sensing devices malfunctioning due to foreign matter attachment and inability to accurately detect condensed water levels, leading to inefficient drainage pump operation.
Innovation Solution
A method using a water level sensing device with electrode pads that sense capacitance without direct contact with condensed water, allowing for accurate level detection and control of the drainage pump based on sensed capacitance, operating conditions, and dehumidification recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float-based water level sensing device directly contacts condensed water, then the device can sense the water level, but foreign matter attaches to the float causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (capacitive sensing through electrode pads) that allows the sensing device to detect water level without direct contact. The electrode pads sense changes in capacitance caused by the presence of condensed water, acting as a mediator between the sensing system and the water, thereby preventing foreign matter attachment while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-based sensing system with a capacitive sensing system using electrode pads. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are susceptible to foreign matter attachment, using electrical field-based detection instead, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If the magnetic sensor only senses when float reaches predetermined height, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot detect water levels below the predetermined height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water level sensing into multiple discrete detection points using separate electrode pads positioned at different heights. Each electrode pad can independently detect water level at its specific position, creating segmented detection zones that collectively provide comprehensive water level monitoring throughout the drainage tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a distributed multi-point detection system. By placing electrode pads at different vertical positions, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the sensing capability, enabling detection across multiple water level thresholds rather than a single predetermined height.
3Measurement precision
If the drainage pump operates frequently to maintain low water level, then water level control is precise, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting water level accumulation trends in advance using multiple electrode pads. The controller monitors capacitance changes over time and predicts when the water level will reach critical thresholds, allowing the drainage pump to operate proactively before overflow occurs, rather than reactively responding to each level threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing interval-based water level monitoring and pump operation. Instead of continuous pump operation, the system checks water levels at predetermined intervals using the electrode pads and operates the drainage pump periodically only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption and noise while maintaining adequate water level control.
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 prevents malfunctions, optimizes drainage pump operation, reduces noise and power consumption, and provides accurate sensing of condensed water levels and flow rates, enabling efficient drainage and dehumidification control.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrode pads disposed in the water level sensing housing, in a state of not contacting the condensed water, for sensing capacitance of the condensed water
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of controlling an air conditioner including a step of sensing the capacitance of condensed water through any one of a plurality of electrode pads to sense the level of the condensed water during cooling, and a step of operating a drainage pump based on the level of the condensed water sensed through any one of the electrode pads to drain the condensed water stored in the condensed water storage part. A water level detecting device of the air conditioner more accurately senses the level of condensed water based on the capacitance of the condensed water, thereby effectively controlling the drainage pump.