Induction-Heated Water Purifier Connector for Accurate Hot Water Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers using induction heating for generating hot water face challenges in accurate temperature control due to the distance between the hot water tank and the temperature sensor, leading to potential inaccuracies in heating control and residual water issues.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design with a connector positioned closer to the hot water tank than the hot water outlet valve, incorporating a temperature sensor that is exposed through a hole in the connector to accurately measure the water temperature, thereby enhancing the control of induction heating and minimizing residual water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is installed far from the hot water tank, then the installation is simpler and safer, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as an intermediary component between the hot water tank and the temperature sensor. It includes a through-hole that allows the temperature sensor to be installed through the connector body, positioning the sensor close to the hot water tank outlet for accurate temperature measurement while maintaining a structured and manageable installation process.
2Measurement precision
If the connector is positioned closer to the hot water tank, then the temperature control accuracy improves, but the risk of overpressure damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a through-hole structure that allows the temperature sensor to be installed beforehand in a safe position. This enables accurate temperature monitoring from the outset, allowing the control system to prevent overpressure conditions before they occur, thus cushioning against potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor installed through the connector provides real-time temperature feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the heating process, allowing the system to adjust heating parameters based on actual water temperature, thereby preventing overpressure damage while maintaining accurate temperature control.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is exposed through the connector, then the temperature measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it connects the hot water tank to the outlet, provides structural support, and includes a through-hole for temperature sensor installation. This multi-functional design integrates the sensor mounting feature into the existing connector structure without requiring separate components, thereby minimizing additional complexity while achieving accurate temperature measurement.
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 configuration ensures precise temperature measurement and control of induction heating, reducing inaccuracies and residual water issues, while allowing for safe installation and preventing overpressure damage.
Implementation Method 1
Induction heating is a heating method that heats a metal object by electromagnetic induction. When a current is supplied to a coil, an eddy current is generated on the metal object. The eddy current flows through the metal object with a resistance and generates heat by Joule heating.
Implementation Method 2
The eddy current flows through the metal object with a resistance and generates heat by Joule heating.
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a hot water tank for receiving and heating received water by induction heating, a water outlet portion that is at least partially exposed to an outside of the water purifier for discharging hot water, a hot water line that is connected to the water outlet portion to communicate the hot water from the hot water tank to the water outlet portion, a hot water outlet valve that is located at the hot water line and that opens or closes the hot water line based on a control command, a connector that includes a hot water inlet connected to a water outlet pipe of the hot water tank and a hot water outlet connected to the hot water line, and a temperature sensor that is connected to the connector and that is configured to measure a temperature of the hot water that passes through the connector.