Flexible Water Sensor for Automatic Condensate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condensate water removal devices in HVACR systems often require manual intervention or prone float switches for water detection, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from overflow or mold formation due to inadequate water sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate sensor device with multiple sensor elements and a flexible or rigid structure, allowing for accurate detection of water presence and level within condensate water hoses or drip trays, integrated with condensate water removal devices to enable automatic and efficient water removal without the need for internal reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If float switches are used for water detection, then water presence can be detected, but the device is prone to failure due to getting stuck and non-planar installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float switch system with an electrical sensor system. The sensor device includes electrical sensors arranged along an elongate body that can be installed in the condensate water hose without requiring planar mounting surfaces. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that are prone to getting stuck, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water detection function from the mechanical float switch and implements it through electrical sensors integrated into the condensate water removal device. This allows the sensor to be positioned directly in the hose path, eliminating the need for separate float switch mounting and reducing installation complexity.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required for water removal, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the condensate water removal device automatically detects water presence through electrical sensors and activates the pump accordingly. The control unit receives signals from the sensors and autonomously controls the pump operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where electrical sensors continuously monitor water presence and send signals to the control unit, which then adjusts pump operation accordingly. This closed-loop control system enables automatic water removal, improving efficiency while keeping the device complexity manageable through simple sensor-controller-actuator architecture.
3Measurement precision
If electrical sensors are integrated into the condensate water removal device, then measurement precision of water presence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical sensors directly into the condensate water removal device housing, eliminating the need for separate sensor mounting components. The sensors are positioned along the elongate body that is already part of the device structure, allowing precise water detection while avoiding additional complexity from separate sensor assemblies and mounting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for detection of water, comprising an elongate sensor body with a proximal end and a distal end. At least two sensor elements are arranged at different longitudinal positions along the length of the sensor body. The sensor body comprises at least one elastically flexible section.