Water Tank Electrodes for Current-Based Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment devices face operational failures due to varying water levels, which can expose electrodes to air or cause short circuits, leading to ineffective discharge and potential leakage, and the use of additional water level detectors increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment device that utilizes a detector based on the current value between electrodes to monitor water levels, allowing for automatic adjustment of power supply operations to prevent exposure or overflow, thereby eliminating the need for additional water level detectors and ensuring reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water level detector (e.g., float switch) is provided to detect the level of water in the water tank, then the water level can be monitored to prevent operational failures, but the parts count increases and costs increase, and the sensor may break down if high voltage is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes serve dual functions: they act as both discharge electrodes for water treatment and as water level detectors. By utilizing the existing electrodes for both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate water level detection components, thereby reducing parts count and cost while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own electrodes to detect water level conditions without requiring external sensors. The electrodes self-monitor the water level by detecting changes in their electrical environment, enabling the system to monitor its own operational status without additional components
2Reliability
If the water level falls significantly such that the electrodes are exposed to the air, then the discharge does not occur and the water treatment device fails to operate, but providing a water level detector increases parts count and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes perform both water treatment and water level detection functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate detection components while ensuring operational reliability through continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors water level through the electrodes and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts operation or shuts down when abnormal conditions are detected, maintaining reliable operation without additional parts
3Reliability
If the water level rises significantly such that water flows over the divider, then a short circuit occurs between the two electrodes and the discharge does not occur, but providing a water level detector increases parts count and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes serve dual purposes as both treatment electrodes and overflow detection sensors, reducing parts count while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to overflow conditions that could cause short circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives continuous feedback from the electrodes about water level conditions and automatically shuts down or adjusts operation when overflow is detected, preventing short circuits without requiring additional detection components
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 solution effectively prevents operational failures by maintaining optimal water levels, reducing the risk of short circuits and leakage, and simplifying the device by eliminating the need for extra water level detection components, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (73) which detects a level of water in each of the treatment vessels (37, 38) based on an index corresponding to a current value between the pair of electrodes (61, 62)
Implementation Method 2
a power supply (71) which applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes (61, 62)
Data Source
AI summary
A water treatment device includes: an insulating divider which divides a space inside a water tank into two treatment vessels adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction, and includes a current carrier which is able to energize water in the two treatment vessels; a treatment unit including a pair of electrodes, a power supply, and a power supply controller; a water supplier which supplies water to each of the treatment vessels; and a draining member which drains water from each of the treatment vessels. The treatment unit includes a detector which detects a level of water in each of the treatment vessels based on an index corresponding to a current value between the pair of electrodes.