Humidifier Air Inflow Path Design to Reduce Water Supply Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humidifiers produce unusual noise due to air bubbles entering the water tank during water replenishment, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design featuring a separate air inflow path and an open/close unit with a float mechanism that prevents air from entering the water tank during water supply, using a check valve to block water from entering the air inflow path and an airtight member to close the air flow inlet, thereby reducing noise and maintaining a constant water level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air bubbles are allowed to enter the water tank during water replenishment, then water supply is facilitated, but unusual noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water supply system into two separate paths: a water supply inlet for water replenishment and a separate air inflow path for air intake. This segmentation allows water to be supplied without air bubbles entering through the water path, eliminating noise while maintaining water supply efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air inflow path that provides a dedicated route for air to enter the water tank independently from the water supply path. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for water supply and the need for air intake, preventing noise generation while facilitating water replenishment
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate air inflow path is created, then noise is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air inflow path is designed to serve multiple functions: it allows air intake during water replenishment, provides a pathway for air to enter when water levels change, and prevents noise generation. By making this single structure multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving noise prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air inflow function with the water tank structure itself, integrating the air inflow path into the existing tank design rather than adding a completely separate component. This merging approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the noise prevention function
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 effectively prevents noise generation from air bubbles and maintains a consistent water level in the reservoir, enhancing the operational silence and efficiency of the humidifier.
Implementation Method 1
an open/close unit configured to open or close the air inflow path... including a float configured to move according to a water level of the water reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The air inflow device may include a check valve configured to prevent water from flowing into the air inflow path from the water tank during replenishment of water to the water tank
Implementation Method 3
The open/close unit may include an airtight member configured to airtightly close the air inflow path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a humidifier and home appliance having a structure with an air inflow path formed in a water tank separately from a water supply inlet and configured to prevent noise due to air bubbles during water supply to a water reservoir from the water tank, and a structure configured to block the air inflow path in order to prevent water from flowing into the air inflow path during replenishment of water to the water tank.