Bathing Unit Heating Module Flow Detection by Thermal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathing unit control systems fail to effectively detect sufficient water flow through heating modules, leading to potential overheating and damage due to inadequate detection methods, particularly with plastic components which have inferior thermal properties, and existing solutions require multiple components or have limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a heating module with a temperature sensing entity and a controller that measures temperature changes to determine water flow sufficiency by activating and deactivating the sensing entity, allowing the controller to prevent heating module activation when flow is insufficient, using a thermally conductive communication method and potentially avoiding the need for separate thermal sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure switches are used to detect water presence, then water level detection is achieved, but flow sufficiency cannot be detected and the switches have limited lifespan due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure switches with a thermal sensing entity that uses thermal conduction through the heating module body to detect water flow sufficiency. This eliminates moving parts and extends system lifespan while enabling flow detection capability that pressure switches cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating module body serves as a thermal intermediary, conducting heat from the heating element through its wall to the temperature sensing entity. This thermal conduction path enables indirect detection of water flow conditions without direct contact between the sensor and water, solving both the lifespan and detection capability problems.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple temperature sensors are used to detect water flow, then flow detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module body serves multiple functions: it contains the heating element, provides structural support, and acts as a thermal conduction path to the temperature sensing entity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate flow detection components, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the heating function and flow detection function into a single integrated system. The temperature sensing entity mounted on the heating module body detects flow conditions through thermal conduction, merging what would traditionally require separate sensors into one unified detection mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in heating modules, then manufacturing cost and corrosion resistance are improved, but thermal properties deteriorate increasing overheating risk
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module body acts as a thermal intermediary that conducts heat from the heating element to the water. Even with plastic materials having lower thermal conductivity, the direct thermal coupling between the heating element, module body, and water enables effective heat transfer, maintaining safety while preserving the benefits of plastic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-sensor thermal monitoring systems with a simplified thermal conduction-based detection method. By utilizing the natural thermal conduction path through the plastic heating module body, the system achieves reliable overheat protection without requiring additional thermal sensors or complex electronics.
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 solution effectively prevents overheating by accurately detecting water flow sufficiency, reducing the risk of damage to heating elements and extending their lifespan, while simplifying the detection process and potentially reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensing entity is mounted in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a temperature sensing entity and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The temperature sensing entity is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the temperature sensing entity is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the temperature sensing entity for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.