Hot liquid generation module for liquid treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold and hot water purifiers require separate storage containers for cold and hot water, increasing volume and manufacturing costs, and inefficiently consume energy due to maintaining hot water at high temperatures, while also facing challenges in generating hot water above 50°C due to flow stagnation issues.
Innovation Solution
A hot water generation module with a ceramic heater and a spiral heating passage that surrounds the ceramic heater, allowing raw water to flow through a curved passage and then a linear passage, preventing flow stagnation and enabling efficient heating to high temperatures without the need for separate storage containers or pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate storage containers for cold and hot water are used, then hot water can be provided, but the overall volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cold water storage and hot water generation functions into a single integrated tank system. The heating element is installed directly within the water storage tank, eliminating the need for separate hot water storage containers. This combination allows the system to provide both cold and hot water functions while minimizing the overall device volume.
2Temperature
If separate storage containers for cold and hot water are used, then hot water storage is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional pumps and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single tank structure that serves as both cold water storage and hot water generation space. By integrating the heating element directly in the tank and using the existing water pressure system, the design eliminates the need for additional pumps, water level sensors, and separate hot water storage containers, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The water storage tank is designed to perform multiple functions: storing cold water, generating hot water through the integrated heating element, and providing both cold and hot water dispensing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated hot water storage containers and associated control systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Temperature
If hot water is maintained at high temperature continuously, then hot water can be provided on demand, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when hot water is requested. The system uses the existing water flow and pressure to deliver hot water on demand, eliminating the need for continuous heating and maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring hot water availability when needed.
4Device complexity
If water flows through a straight passage in the heating device, then the structure is simple, but flow stagnation occurs and boiling happens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or spiral passage design within the heating element instead of a straight passage. This curved configuration promotes continuous water flow through the heating zone, preventing stagnation and eliminating the risk of boiling. The curved path increases the effective heating surface area while maintaining reliable water circulation.
5Temperature
If a ceramic heater with spiral heating passage is used, then hot water above 85°C can be generated, but the passage design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral or curved passage design within the ceramic heating element increases the effective heating surface area and ensures continuous water flow. This configuration enables the system to generate hot water at temperatures above 85°C by maximizing heat transfer efficiency while preventing flow stagnation through the curved path geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a ceramic heating element with integrated spiral passage, combining the thermal properties of ceramic material with the fluid dynamics of spiral flow. This composite structure provides both the high-temperature heating capability and the flow management necessary to achieve temperatures above 85°C.
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 reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes energy consumption, and effectively generates hot water above 85°C while ensuring safety and uniform temperature distribution, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by preventing flow stagnation and enhancing outlet water flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
When the water flows through the inside of the ceramic heater 20, the water comes into contact with an inner wall of the ceramic heater 20 and thus is heated
Implementation Method 2
When the water flows along the outside of the ceramic heater 20, the water comes into contact with an outer wall of the ceramic heater 20 and thus is heated
Implementation Method 3
a heating passage of which at least a portion is disposed in the housing to surround an outer circumferential surface of the ceramic heater in a spiral shape
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hot water generation module for a water treatment apparatus. The hot water generation module for the water treatment apparatus includes a ceramic heater in which at least one heating wire is disposed and which has a hollow tube shape, a housing disposed to surround the outside of the ceramic heater, and a heating passage of which at least a portion is disposed in the housing to surround an outer circumferential surface of the ceramic heater in a spiral shape and in which raw water introduced into the housing is discharged to the outside of the housing after heating the raw water to generate hot water by coming into contact with the ceramic heater.