Dehumidifier appliance and methods for detecting water levels within a dehumidifier appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dehumidifier appliances rely on mechanical float switches for water level detection, which are prone to failure and can result in false readings, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier appliance with a magnetic coupling system between the cabinet and water tank, utilizing magnets and contact pins to establish electrical circuits for precise water level detection, enabling accurate control of the dehumidifying cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical floater switch is used for water level detection, then the appliance can stop operation when the collection bucket is full, but the mechanical detection measure is susceptible to failure over repeated cycles and may produce false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical floater switch with a magnetic detection system. The water level sensor uses a magnet positioned at a predetermined height on the collection bucket that interacts with a magnetic sensor on the appliance base, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining the water level detection function. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through the absence of mechanical wear while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the water level indicator on the collection bucket and the detection system on the appliance base. The magnet on the bucket creates a magnetic field that the magnetic sensor detects, allowing indirect detection of water level without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach improves reliability by eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If the dehumidifier runs constantly to remove maximum moisture, then productivity is improved, but premature shutdown due to false water level readings reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the unreliable mechanical floater switch with a magnetic detection system, the patent eliminates false readings that cause premature shutdowns. The magnetic sensor provides more accurate and consistent water level detection, ensuring the dehumidifier operates continuously at maximum capacity without unnecessary interruptions, thus maintaining both high productivity and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic water level detection system provides accurate feedback to the control system about the actual water level in the collection bucket. This reliable feedback prevents false shutdown signals, allowing the dehumidifier to maintain continuous operation and maximum moisture removal capability until the bucket is truly full, thereby improving both productivity and operation continuity.
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 magnetic coupling system provides reliable and precise water level detection, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing unnecessary shutdowns due to false readings.
Implementation Method 1
A dehumidifier appliance with a magnetic coupling system between the cabinet and water tank, utilizing magnets and contact pins to establish electrical circuits for precise water level detection
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier appliance including a cabinet defining an airflow path; a water tank removably mounted within the cabinet below the airflow path; a first connector provided within the cabinet, the first connector comprising a pair of receiving pins and a pair of first magnets; a second connector provided within the water tank and configured to mate with the first connector, the second connector comprising a pair of contact pins and a pair of second magnets; and a controller configured to perform an operation. The operation includes determining that a first circuit between the pair of first magnets and the pair of second magnets is closed; initiating a dehumidifying cycle; determining that a second circuit between the pair of receiving pins and the pair of contact pins is closed; and implementing a responsive action in response to determining that the second circuit is closed.