Condensed-Water Discharge Valve for Insect-Resistant Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water discharge devices in air conditioning systems for vehicles are prone to blockages due to mud and insect nests, leading to inefficient drainage of condensed water, as the open-ended drain hoses are susceptible to external interference and air leaks.
Innovation Solution
A water discharge device with a float valve mechanism that blocks the drainage path during non-draining states to prevent air flow and insect invasion, and automatically opens to drain condensed water when the water level reaches a certain point, using a bullet-form valve member that floats in response to buoyancy for efficient drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drain hose is left open for drainage, then condensed water can be drained efficiently, but air leaks and insect invasion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic opening and closing member that automatically transitions between closed and open states based on water presence. The member remains closed during non-drainage to prevent air leaks and insect invasion, then opens automatically when water accumulates to enable drainage. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the drainage path state to operational needs rather than maintaining a fixed open or closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member operates autonomously in response to water accumulation without external control. When condensed water reaches the member, it triggers automatic opening for drainage, then automatically closes after drainage completes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while effectively preventing air leaks and insect invasion during non-drainage periods.
2Reliability
If the drain hose is blocked to prevent insect invasion, then air tightness is improved, but condensed water cannot be drained
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member dynamically adjusts the drainage path state based on operational conditions. It maintains a closed position to ensure air tightness and prevent insect invasion during normal operation, then automatically opens when condensed water accumulates and contacts the member. This dynamic transition allows the system to maintain high reliability for air tightness while ensuring drainage functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member is positioned and configured to prevent air leakage and insect invasion before drainage is needed. The member remains in a preliminary closed state that proactively blocks the drainage path, maintaining air tightness and preventing harmful factors from entering the air conditioning device. When drainage becomes necessary, the member automatically opens to allow water passage.
3Reliability
If a valve mechanism is added to control drainage, then air tightness and insect prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening and closing member functions as a self-service valve that automatically responds to water accumulation without requiring external control mechanisms. The member's own weight and buoyancy forces drive its opening and closing actions, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or complex control circuits. This self-service approach maintains high air tightness and insect prevention capability while keeping the device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member acts as a simple intermediary element between the sealed interior and the external drainage path. It provides a straightforward mechanical barrier that can be easily opened and closed by water forces, serving as an effective mediator that prevents air and insect leakage while allowing water drainage, without introducing complex valve mechanisms.
4Productivity
If the drainage path is kept open for water discharge, then drainage efficiency is improved, but mud and foreign objects can block the path
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic opening and closing member automatically closes the drainage path after water discharge completes, preventing mud and foreign objects from entering and blocking the path. During active drainage, the member remains open to ensure efficient water discharge. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by limiting exposure of the drainage path to external contaminants only when drainage is actively occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening and closing member performs preliminary protection by closing the drainage path before drainage is needed and keeping it closed during non-drainage periods. This preliminary action prevents mud and foreign objects from entering and blocking the path in advance. When drainage becomes necessary, the member automatically opens to allow water passage, then closes again after drainage completes to restore protective coverage.
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 effectively prevents blockages and air leaks, ensuring efficient drainage of condensed water while maintaining a simple configuration that can be integrated into existing air conditioning systems without significant design changes, thus enhancing working efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The opening and closing member blocks the drainage path so as to limit movement of air due to dynamic pressure when in a non-draining state other than the draining state
Implementation Method 2
using a bullet-form valve member that floats in response to buoyancy for efficient drainage
Data Source
AI summary
A water discharge device that collects and drains condensed water generated in an air conditioning device includes: a drainage path along which condensed water is able to be drained in a draining state in which condensed water is expelled; and an opening and closing member that is able to block and open the drainage path. The opening and closing member blocks the drainage path so as to limit movement of air due to dynamic pressure when in a non-draining state other than the draining state. The opening and closing member drains condensed water through the drainage path when in the draining state.