Dehumidifier Bucket Water Level Detection to Prevent Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidifiers require users to manually check the water level in the bucket, leading to potential overflow issues as users may not detect when the bucket is full in time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a weight detecting unit or level detecting unit within the dehumidifier to measure the condensed water level and display it visually, allowing users to empty the bucket before it overflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional dehumidifier uses a simple bucket for condensed water storage, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot accurately identify the water level and may experience overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated detection system. A weight detecting unit measures the weight of condensed water in the bucket, and a control unit calculates water level based on this weight data, substituting the mechanical/manual water level identification method with an automated measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that processes the weight data from the weight detecting unit and calculates the corresponding water level. This intermediary component translates raw weight measurements into meaningful water level information that can be displayed to the user.
2Reliability
If the user manually checks the bucket water level, then the detection system remains simple, but the user may not detect full bucket in time leading to overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the weight detecting unit continuously monitors the bucket weight, the control unit calculates the water level based on this feedback, and the information is provided to the user through a display unit. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable overflow prevention by continuously monitoring and alerting the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of the water level without requiring active user intervention. The weight detecting unit and control unit automatically track the condensed water accumulation, enabling the system to serve itself in terms of monitoring its own operational state.
3Ease of operation
If no water level detection is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot easily empty the bucket at the appropriate time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for user visual inspection and manual judgment about when to empty the bucket with an automated weight-based detection system. The weight detecting unit and control unit automatically determine the water level, replacing the mechanical act of looking into the bucket with an electronic measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes weight data and provides processed information to the user through a display unit, making it easier for users to understand the water level status and decide when to empty the bucket without needing to visually inspect the bucket contents.
4Loss of information
If visual water level identification is implemented through a display unit, then user awareness of water level improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes direct visual inspection of the bucket with an electronic display system. The display unit presents water level information in a clear, easily readable format, replacing the need for users to physically look into the bucket and interpret visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that processes raw weight data from the weight detecting unit and transforms it into meaningful water level information for display. This intermediary processing ensures that accurate and timely information is provided to the user without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
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
Enables users to accurately identify the water level, preventing overflow and making it easier to handle and empty the bucket, with minimized measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
a weight detecting unit for detecting an amount of the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly
Implementation Method 2
a level detecting unit for detecting a water level of the bucket assembly by contacting the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly
Implementation Method 3
a barrier installed in the cabinet to collect condensed water removed from air
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier is provided. A dehumidifier includes a cabinet defining an outer appearance, a barrier installed in the cabinet to collect condensed water removed from air, a bucket assembly for storing the condensed water directed from the barrier, and a condensed water detecting unit for detecting an amount or level of the condensed water stored in the bucket assembly.