Dehumidifier Multi-Sensor Water Level Detection to Prevent Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dehumidifiers often continue operating even when the water level in the storage tank exceeds a predetermined level, leading to overflow and leakage, due to errors in water level detection systems or reduced magnetism, which can result in condensed water overflowing and contaminating the surrounding space.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier design featuring a water tank with a movable member and multiple sensors to detect the water level, including a control unit that receives signals from these sensors to control the operation of the heat exchange unit and generate an alarm signal when the water level is high, preventing overflow by stopping the dehumidifier's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single water level detection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of water level detection deteriorates due to potential errors or magnetism reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing sensors at different locations (first sensor at normal water level, second sensor at high water level) to detect different states. This localized detection approach ensures that each sensor monitors a specific critical zone, improving overall detection reliability without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The water level detection function is segmented into multiple independent sensors rather than using one complex detection system. The first sensor detects normal water levels while the second sensor detects high water levels, dividing the detection task into separate functional segments that operate independently to enhance system reliability.
2Productivity
If the dehumidifier continues operating when water level is high, then the productivity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to water overflow and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting high water levels with the second sensor before overflow occurs, and preemptively stopping the dehumidifier operation or activating drainage. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of water overflow before it can happen, prioritizing safety over continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from both sensors and adjusts operation accordingly. When the second sensor detects high water level, the control unit provides feedback to stop operation or activate drainage, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overflow while managing productivity based on real-time water level conditions.
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
Prevents overflow and leakage of condensed water, maintaining a clean and safe indoor environment, extending the dehumidifier's lifespan, and enhancing product reliability by accurately detecting water levels and controlling the dehumidification process.
Implementation Method 1
A movable member may be mounted inside the water tank to vertically move according to a water level of the condensed water stored in the water tank
Implementation Method 2
One or plurality of first sensors mounted on a wall defining the water tank chamber may detect the movable member. A second sensor mounted on a position of the wall, which is higher than the first sensors may detect the movable member
Implementation Method 3
The evaporator may absorb heat from surrounding air to evaporate a liquid refrigerant. Thus, air passing through the evaporator may decrease in temperature through the heat-exchange with the refrigerant. Since the air passing through the evaporator decreases in temperature, moisture contained in the air may be condensed to form dew on a surface of the evaporator
Data Source
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AI summary
A dehumidifier may include a main body, a heat exchange unit inside the main body, and a water tank on the water tank chamber or separated from the water tank chamber through a side surface of the main body. The water tank may store condensed water generated in the heat exchange unit. A movable member may be inside the water tank to vertically move according to a water level of the condensed water stored in the water tank. One or plurality of first sensors mounted on a wall defining the water tank chamber may detect the movable member. A second sensor mounted on a position of the wall, which is higher than the first sensors may detect the movable member. A control unit may receive the detected results of the first and second sensors to control an operation of the heat exchange unit or an occurrence of an alarm signal according to the received results.