Dual CDI Water Softener Controller for Continuous Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water softeners face inefficiencies due to varying operational conditions and the generation of germs and foreign substances in stored softened water, requiring cumbersome recycling procedures that affect user access and lifespan of CDI modules.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a controller to manage a pair of water softeners that alternately perform softening and recycling based on their capabilities, ensuring continuous supply of softened water and uniform lifespan of CDI modules by optimizing operations according to preset reference values and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If softened water is preserved in a water tank for a long period of time, then water supply is available when needed, but germs and foreign substances are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water softening function into multiple CDI modules that can operate independently. When one module is recycling, another module can continue softening water, eliminating the need to stop operation for recycling and thus preventing germ growth in stored water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous water softening operation by having multiple CDI modules work in parallel. While one module performs recycling, other modules maintain continuous softening operation, ensuring uninterrupted water supply without requiring water to be stored in tanks for extended periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one CDI module is used and stood by until recycling is performed again, then the module can be reused, but the procedure is bothersome and much time is taken
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple CDI modules that can operate in parallel. When one module needs recycling, another module can immediately take over the water softening function, eliminating wait time and making the recycling process transparent to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the recycling process by monitoring module capabilities and coordinating recycling operations between multiple modules. The system self-adjusts to ensure continuous operation without requiring user intervention or waiting for recycling completion.
3Productivity
If water softening is performed continuously by a single CDI module, then softened water is always available, but the module capability is exceeded and recycling must be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water softening load across multiple CDI modules. Each module operates at a lower, sustainable capacity while the collective system maintains high productivity. This segmentation prevents any single module from exceeding its capability limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of individual modules based on their real-time capability states. When a module approaches its capability limit, the controller redistributes the load to other modules, ensuring continuous operation within safe parameters.
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
This approach ensures continuous provision of softened water, optimizes water softening and recycling processes, and extends the lifespan of water softeners and CDI modules by intelligent management of their capabilities and operational states.
Implementation Method 1
A water softener is a device that generates soft water by filtering hard water with an ion exchanger resin and a filter and removing hard substances (calcium, magnesium, and the like) contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling water softeners includes a first water softener that softens and recycles source water, a second water softener that softens and recycles mutually complementarily with the first water softener, and a controller that controls water softening and recycling of the first water softener and the second water softener, based on water softening capabilities of the first water softener and the second water softener.