Humidifier Air Inflow Structure for Quiet Water Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humidifiers produce unusual noise due to air bubbles entering the water tank during water replenishment, which existing solutions have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design featuring an air inflow path separate from the water supply inlet, equipped with a float-activated open/close unit that blocks air inflow during water replenishment, using a check valve and airtight members to prevent water from entering the air inflow path, thereby reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air inflow path and water supply inlet are combined in existing humidifier designs, then structural simplicity is maintained, but unusual noise is produced due to air bubbles entering during water replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The air inflow path and water supply inlet are divided into separate channels. The air inflow path allows air to enter the water tank independently from the water supply inlet, preventing air bubbles from mixing with water during replenishment and eliminating the unusual noise while maintaining structural simplicity through functional separation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate air inflow path is introduced to prevent noise, then noise from air bubbles is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism serves dual functions: it controls the air inflow path opening/closing while simultaneously regulating water supply based on water level. This merging of control functions into a single float assembly prevents noise elimination from requiring separate complex control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The float-activated open/close unit automatically controls the air inflow path based on water level without requiring external control systems. When water level drops, the float rises to open the air path for replenishment; when water level rises, the float falls to close the air path. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates noise while avoiding complex electronic controls.
3Extent of automation
If float-activated open/close unit is used to control air inflow path, then automatic water level control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float-activated open/close unit replaces electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and electric valves with a purely mechanical float mechanism. The float's buoyancy-driven movement directly opens or closes the air inflow path based on water level, achieving automatic control without electronic components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism uses simple, inexpensive materials such as buoyant plastic or foam for the float body and basic mechanical components for the open/close unit. These components are easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing cost-effective automatic water level control compared to electronic systems.
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 from air bubbles and maintains a constant water level in the reservoir, ensuring silent operation and efficient water supply without the need for electric valves, reducing manufacturing costs and improving structural design.
Implementation Method 1
an open/close unit configured to open or close the air inflow path, wherein the open/close unit comprises a float configured to move according to a water level of the water reservoir
Implementation Method 2
equipped with a float-activated open/close unit that blocks air inflow during water replenishment, using a check valve and airtight members to prevent water from entering the air inflow path
Data Source
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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.