Continuous boiling water preparation method based on gas-liquid two-phase object detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instant or quick heating water dispensers cannot continuously and stably prepare real boiling water due to the instability of closed-loop control systems when detecting a gas-liquid two-phase object.

Innovation Solution

A continuous boiling water preparation method using a gas-liquid two-phase object detection system, which employs a mixing ratio of the gas-liquid two-phase object as feedback to achieve stable boiling water preparation through closed-loop feedback control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensor is used to detect boiling water temperature, then temperature measurement is achieved, but closed-loop control stability is lost due to constant temperature reading at boiling point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurementVSAvoidclosed-loop control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a two-phase flow detection sensor as an intermediary to detect the gas-liquid two-phase state of boiling water. Instead of directly measuring temperature (which remains constant at boiling point), the sensor detects the presence and proportion of gas bubbles in liquid water, providing a variable feedback signal that enables stable closed-loop control while indirectly indicating boiling state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent shifts the detection parameter from temperature (which is constant at boiling point) to gas-liquid mixing ratio (which varies continuously during boiling). By monitoring the proportion of gas phase to liquid phase, the system obtains a dynamic parameter that changes with boiling intensity, enabling precise control feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If maximum temperature is limited to 1-5°C below boiling point, then closed-loop control stability is maintained, but real boiling water preparation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosed-loop control stabilityVSAvoidwater temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the temperature-based control mechanism with a two-phase flow detection mechanism. The optical sensor detects refractive index changes caused by gas bubbles, converting optical signals into control feedback. This substitution allows the system to operate at true boiling point by using phase composition rather than temperature as the control variable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If temperature sensor is used for detection, then simple detection structure is achieved, but detection of gas-liquid two-phase state is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection structureVSAvoidgas-liquid two-phase detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the phase transition characteristics of water at boiling point, where liquid water transforms into gas-liquid two-phase mixture. The optical sensor detects the refractive index differences between liquid and gas phases, allowing identification of boiling state and gas-liquid mixing ratio based on the phase transition phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method enables continuous and stable preparation of real boiling water, overcoming the stability issues of previous systems while maintaining the advantages of rapid-heating water dispensers.

Implementation Method 1

uses a mixing ratio of a gas-liquid two-phase object generated when water is detected at the boiling point as the feedback quantity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid two-phase flow detection: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 2

turn on, by the control module, the heater to play the heating role at the same time, so that the cold water is heated while flowing through the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

control a flow regulator to work by using a control module, continuously inject cold water into a heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS12213614B2Continuous boiling water preparation method based on gas-liquid two-phase object detection

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 HANGZHOU NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A continuous boiling water preparation method based on gas-liquid two-phase object detection comprises a flow regulator, a heater, a temperature sensor, a two-phase object detection sensor and a controller; the flow regulator is used for injecting a cold water flow obtained from the outside into a water inlet of the heater; the heater heats up according to heating power provided by the controller; the two-phase object detection sensor and the temperature sensor are connected behind a water outlet of the heater, and when a boiling water flow flows through the two sensors, a gas-liquid ratio signal and a temperature signal are obtained respectively, and transmitted to the controller; and the controller transmits a signal indicating required heating power to the heater or transmits a signal indicating a required flow value to the flow regulator through calculation to execute output after receiving the gas-liquid ratio signal.