Dehumidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dehumidifiers often have a risk of the water pump idling due to a disconnected water pipe, which can lead to damage, as there is no effective mechanism to ensure the water tank outlet pipe is connected to the water pump inlet pipe upon installation.
Innovation Solution
A dehumidifier design that includes a micro switch and abutment member, where the micro switch is pressed by the abutment member when the water tank is installed, connecting the water pump to the power supply and ensuring the water tank outlet pipe is communicated with the water pump inlet pipe, thus preventing idling by disconnecting the power when not in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water tank is detachably installed in the mounting groove, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to possible disconnection of the water pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the abutment member on the water tank and the micro switch on the housing before installation. When the water tank is installed, the abutment member automatically presses the micro switch to establish the electrical connection, ensuring the water pump is activated only when the tank is properly connected. This preliminary configuration prevents the reliability issue of disconnected pipes while maintaining easy installation.
2Productivity
If the water pump is continuously powered to ensure water pumping capability, then the productivity is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to pump idling and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the micro switch that detects the installation state of the water tank. The micro switch provides feedback to the power supply system, enabling the water pump only when the tank is properly connected (abutment member presses the switch). This feedback mechanism ensures the pump operates only when needed and connected, preventing idling damage while maintaining pumping capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification through the micro switch before activating the water pump. The abutment member's position is checked in advance via the micro switch to confirm proper tank installation before powering the pump, preventing harmful idling operation while ensuring readiness for water pumping when the tank is correctly installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A dehumidifier includes a housing having a mounting groove, a water tank detachably inserted in the mounting groove and including an abutment member, a pump assembly including a water pump and a water pump inlet pipe, a water tank outlet pipe, and a micro switch installed at the housing. A first end of the water pump inlet pipe is connected to the water pump. A first end of the water tank outlet pipe is detachably connected to a second end of the water pump inlet pipe. A second end of the water tank outlet pipe is located in the water tank. When the water tank is installed in place, the micro switch is pressed by the abutment member to connect the water pump to a power supply, and the water pump inlet pipe is communicated with the water tank outlet pipe.