Food Waste Disposer Condensate Water Level Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food waste disposers face challenges in easy cleaning and maintenance of the water storage container, as well as ensuring that the water level sensor does not interfere with the movement of the water storage container and prevents condensate water from leaking.
Innovation Solution
A food waste disposer design that includes a detachable water storage container, a water level sensor positioned adjacent to the water storage container to measure the water level without contacting it, and a pressing member to indirectly press the sensor towards the water storage container, ensuring the sensor is close to the condensate water for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water storage container is made detachable for easy cleaning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of condensate water leakage during separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A water level sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to detect the water level in the exhaust pipe. The sensor is positioned to detect condensate water before it reaches a dangerous level, enabling the system to take preventive action (such as stopping the disposal device or alerting the user) before leakage occurs during container separation.
2Measurement precision
If the water level sensor is positioned inside the housing close to condensate water for accurate detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the sensor may be damaged by direct contact with condensate water
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor detects water level indirectly through the wall of the exhaust pipe or water storage container rather than direct contact with condensate water. This intermediary detection method maintains measurement precision while protecting the sensor from damage by corrosive or hot condensate water.
3Ease of repair
If the water storage container is made detachable for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sealing and sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage container is segmented as a separate, detachable component from the main housing. This segmentation allows the container to be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance without disassembling the entire device. The sealing interface and sensor mounting are designed as standardized connections that simplify assembly and maintenance procedures.
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 design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the water storage container, prevents interference with the water storage container's movement, and effectively prevents condensate water from leaking, ensuring efficient operation and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a water level sensor coupleable to the water storage housing while the water storage container is accommodated in the water storage housing, and while the sensor module is coupled to the water storage housing, the water level sensor is configured to output, based on the water level sensor being located adjacent to the water storage container, a signal related to the water level of the condensate water collected in the water storage container
Implementation Method 2
a pressing member configured to press the water level sensor in a direction toward the water storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A food waste disposer comprises: a cover housing; a disposal device which is positioned in the cover housing to accommodate food waste; an exhaust pipe to be connected to the disposal device so as to guide moisture-containing air; a water storage container which may collect condensate water in the exhaust pipe and may be separated to the outside of the cover housing; a water storage housing to accommodate the water storage container; and a sensor module which comprises a water level sensor coupleable to the water storage housing, which based on the water level sensor being adjacent to the water storage container outputs a signal related to the water level of the condensate water collected in the water storage container, wherein the water level sensor detects the water level of the condensate water in the water storage container by making contact with the water storage container.