Dehumidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dehumidifiers face challenges in determining whether a water container is installed and full, leading to operational issues when the container is separated or full, necessitating effective detection methods to ensure proper functioning.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module comprising a micro switch and capacitive touch sensor is integrated into the dehumidifier to detect the installation and water level of the water container, allowing for easy emptying and installation, and enhancing operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sensors are used to detect water container installation and water level, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the installation detection function and water level detection function into a single integrated sensor module. The sensor module includes a micro switch for detecting water container installation and a capacitive touch sensor for detecting water level, both housed together. This merging reduces the number of separate sensor components while maintaining reliable detection of both conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple sensor module structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical water level sensors with a capacitive touch sensor that detects water level through electrical capacitance changes. This non-contact sensing method provides higher precision while maintaining a simple module structure that is easy to manufacture. The capacitive sensor can accurately detect water presence and level without mechanical moving parts.
3Ease of operation
If the water container is made separable for easy emptying, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a micro switch that is automatically activated when the water container is installed on the main body. The sensor module self-detects the installation state through the micro switch mechanism, eliminating the need for additional detection systems. This automatic self-detection ensures reliable recognition of container installation while maintaining easy separability for user operation.
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 sensor module simplifies the dehumidifier structure, improves reliability, and minimizes malfunctions by enabling easy control and high-sensitivity sensing of water container status, ensuring proper operation.
Implementation Method 1
The second sensor includes a capacitive touch sensor. The second sensor detects a capacitance of water when the water container is full with water
Implementation Method 2
The first sensor includes a micro switch. The sensor module is provided to be pressed by the water container and to move away from the water container during the installation of the water container
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger in which a refrigerant configured to exchange heat with air introduced through the suction port circulates
Implementation Method 4
a water container separably installed on the main body and configured to store condensate generated in a process in which the air introduced through the suction port exchanges heat with the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a dehumidifier having a structure improved to detect whether a water container is installed on a main body and the water container is full with water.A dehumidifier comprising a main body including a suction port and a discharge port, a heat exchanger in which a refrigerant configured to exchange heat with air introduced through the suction port circulates, a water container separably installed on the main body and configured to store condensate generated in a process in which the air introduced through the suction port exchanges heat with the refrigerant and a sensor module provided in the main body to detect whether the water container is installed on the main body and detect a water level of the water container.