Hot Water Dispenser Two-Step Heating for Energy and Scald Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water dispensers consume excessive energy by maintaining hot water at high temperatures and pose a scalding risk due to immediate hot water dispensing without user control.
Innovation Solution
A method where water is heated to a target temperature only upon the first user request and requires a second request within a predetermined time frame to dispense, allowing for energy-efficient heating and reducing scalding risks through a controlled dispensing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hot water is continuously kept at high temperature in a water boiler, then hot water can be dispensed immediately when requested, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to a target temperature before dispensing is requested. When a first request instruction is received, the water heating device heats the water to the predetermined target temperature in advance. This allows the water to be ready for immediate dispensing without requiring continuous high-temperature maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between fast dispensing and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The water heating device operates periodically rather than continuously. It heats water only when a first request instruction is received and maintains the target temperature only during the dispensing readiness time period. This periodic operation pattern eliminates the need for continuous energy input, reducing overall energy consumption while still enabling fast dispensing when needed.
2Ease of operation
If hot water is dispensed immediately upon request, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of scalding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires a two-step process: first, the user issues a request instruction to heat water to the target temperature; second, the user must issue another request instruction within the dispensing readiness time to actually dispense the water. This preliminary heating step without immediate dispensing allows the system to prepare hot water safely, reducing the risk of accidental scalding from unintentional requests while maintaining user convenience through the simple two-step interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the user's request and the actual water dispensing. It introduces a time window (dispensing readiness time) between the first request (heating) and the second request (dispensing), allowing the system to verify user intent before releasing hot water. This intermediary step prevents accidental scalding while preserving ease of operation through clear signaling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If water is heated to target temperature on demand, then energy consumption is reduced, but the time to obtain hot water increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to the target temperature as soon as the first request instruction is received, before the user needs to dispense. This advance preparation eliminates the waiting time that would otherwise occur between requesting hot water and receiving it, while still avoiding continuous energy consumption by heating only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on user requests. When a first request is received, the water heating device immediately begins heating and maintains the target temperature during the dispensing readiness time. This dynamic response ensures hot water is ready quickly when needed, minimizing waiting time while maintaining energy efficiency by not heating continuously.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a two-request system is implemented, then scalding risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it receives and processes request instructions, controls the water heating device, monitors temperature, manages the dispensing valve, and provides user feedback through signaling. By consolidating these functions into a single control device, the system reduces overall complexity despite implementing a two-request safety mechanism. The control device serves as a multi-functional hub that manages all aspects of the dispensing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically manages the entire two-request process without requiring additional user intervention or complex external controls. It autonomously heats water to the target temperature, monitors the dispensing readiness time, controls valve operation, and provides feedback signaling. This self-service capability simplifies the system by eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
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 approach reduces energy consumption by heating water on demand and minimizes scalding risks by requiring a deliberate second request for hot water dispensing, maintaining the target temperature during readiness and post-heating periods for continuous user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the water to be dispensed by the water dispenser is heated to a predeterminable target temperature by means of a water heating device included in the water dispenser
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for dispensing hot water through a water dispensing device designed particularly for dispensing drinking water. In order to make available such a method, in which hot water can be dispensed from a water dispensing device using minimal energy, it is suggested according to the invention that following a first command carried out by a user, the water in the water dispensing device be heated by means of a water heating unit in the water dispensing device to a prespecified target temperature, and that the water heated to the prespecified target temperature be dispensed by the water dispensing device following a second command carried out by the user, as long as the second command is given by the user within a prespecified dispensing readiness time beginning with the reaching of the target temperature. In addition, the invention relates to a water dispensing device for carrying out the method.