Heating device and partial rinsing device using same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional private part cleaning devices using instant heating technology face issues with large volume, unstable outlet water temperature, and increased complexity due to inadequate heat exchange between the heating cavity and buffer water tank, leading to discomfort and safety concerns during sudden temperature rises or water supply cutoffs.

Innovation Solution

A compact heating apparatus with a first and second cavity, a heating member, a heat conducting member, a temperature detector, and a controller, where the fluid flows from the first cavity, heated by the member, into the second cavity for efficient heat exchange, allowing for rapid temperature adjustment and safety monitoring without additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a buffer water tank with large volume is used to mix superheated water with normal-temperature water, then the outlet water temperature stability is improved, but the overall volume of the heating apparatus becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet water temperature stabilityVSAvoidbuffer water tank volume
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer water tank is segmented into a first cavity (heating cavity) and a second cavity (buffer cavity) by a heat conducting member. This segmentation allows the heated water to perform heat exchange with the buffer water through the heat conducting member, achieving temperature stabilization without requiring a large mixing volume. The segmented structure enables efficient heat transfer while maintaining a compact overall volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat conducting member is introduced as an intermediary between the first cavity and the second cavity. This heat conducting member facilitates heat exchange between the heated water in the first cavity and the buffer water in the second cavity, enabling temperature stabilization without direct mixing. This intermediary approach allows for compact design while maintaining effective thermal coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a narrow water path is used between the heating cavity and buffer water tank, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the heat exchange efficiency between the cavities is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater path structureVSAvoidheat exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The heat conducting member serves as an intermediary that provides a large heat exchange surface area between the two cavities. Instead of relying on a narrow water path for heat transfer, the heat conducting member mediates the thermal energy transfer, significantly improving heat exchange efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat conducting member extends in the radial direction between the two cavities, creating a three-dimensional heat exchange interface. This dimensional approach transforms the heat transfer from a one-dimensional conduction through a narrow path to a multi-dimensional heat exchange through a extended surface, greatly enhancing thermal coupling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If the buffer water tank is in communication with the heating cavity via a narrow water path, then the structure is compact, but the temperature detection reliability is reduced during abnormal situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidtemperature detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat conducting member acts as a thermal intermediary that rapidly transmits temperature changes from the heating cavity to the buffer cavity. During abnormal situations such as water supply cutoff, the heat conducting member quickly conducts the temperature rise to the buffer water, enabling the temperature detector to detect the abnormal condition promptly without requiring additional sensors or complex communication paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If additional devices such as flowmeter are added to detect abnormal situations, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own thermal mass and heat conduction properties to provide safety detection functionality. The buffer water in the second cavity, coupled thermally to the heating cavity through the heat conducting member, serves as a self-monitoring element. When abnormal heating occurs, the buffer water temperature rises and is detected by the existing temperature detector, eliminating the need for separate safety devices like flowmeters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature detector in the second cavity serves multiple functions: it monitors the outlet water temperature for normal operation control and simultaneously detects abnormal situations such as water supply cutoff or heater failure. This multi-functional use of a single component achieves safety monitoring without adding dedicated safety devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a stable outlet water temperature, reduces apparatus volume, and minimizes components, ensuring user comfort and safety by enabling quick temperature control and abnormal situation detection without additional devices, thus enhancing the miniaturization and cost-effectiveness of the heating apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a heat conducting member configured to isolate the first cavity from the second cavity... the fluid performs heat exchange with the fluid in the first cavity via the heat conducting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heating member configured to heat a fluid in the first cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the fluid performs heat exchange with the fluid in the first cavity via the heat conducting member when the fluid flows through the second cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3361176B1Heating device and partial rinsing device using same
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 XIAMEN AXENT
  • EP3361176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3361176B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A heating device (200), comprising: a first cavity (240); a heating member (230) heating the fluid in the first cavity (240); a second cavity (250), the fluid inlet of the second cavity (25)) is the fluid outlet of the first cavity (240); a heat conducting member (220) isolating the first cavity (240) from the second cavity (250); a temperature detector (260) detecting the temperature of the fluid in the second cavity (250); a controller controlling the heating of the heating member (230) according to the temperature detected by the temperature detector (260); the fluid flows into the first cavity (240), is heated by the heating member (230), then flows into the second cavity (250), and performs heat exchange with the fluid in the first cavity (240) through the heat conducting member (220) when the fluid flows through the second cavity (250). Through the heat exchange between the fluid before the heating control in the second cavity (250) and the fluid after the heating control in the first cavity (240), the heating device (200) stabilizes the outlet water temperature; meanwhile, the heating device (200) is also small in size as no large buffer water tank is needed.