Humidifier auxiliary drain pan
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifier liquid overflow protection systems face challenges such as insufficient space for secondary drain pans, difficulty in constructing support frames, and drainage back-up issues leading to reverse flow, which can cause damage to structures and contents.
Innovation Solution
A vertically installed auxiliary drain pan with a base, continuous wall, and anti-backflow connection features, including a drainage connector and backflow preventer, that secures to a vertical surface, preventing reverse flow and incorporating a liquid accumulation protector to shut off power to the humidifier in case of overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional secondary drain pan is positioned vertically beneath the humidifier, then liquid overflow protection is improved, but floor space is insufficient and support frame construction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is repositioned from a floor-standing configuration to a vertically mounted configuration beneath the humidifier, utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal floor space. The pan is secured to a vertical surface (wall or structure) above the floor level, effectively moving the system into a three-dimensional space utilization that resolves the floor space constraint while maintaining overflow protection functionality.
2Reliability
If a connection is inserted between the primary drain pan opening and the drain to prevent reverse flow, then backflow into the primary drain pan is prevented, but liquid may still flow through the connection and cause damage to adjacent structure
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple functional zones: the primary drain pan with its opening, the inserted connection with backflow prevention features, and the secondary drain pan positioned vertically below. This segmentation creates distinct functional regions where the secondary pan specifically addresses the harmful effect of liquid escaping through the connection, while the primary pan handles normal drainage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary drain pan acts as a pre-positioned protective barrier (cushioning) beneath the humidifier and drainage connection. By installing this pan in advance, the system is prepared to catch and contain any liquid that might escape through the drainage connection, preventing damage to adjacent structures before such damage can occur.
3Area of stationary object
If the auxiliary drain pan is secured to a vertical surface, then installation space efficiency is improved, but proper positioning and horizontal stability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow the drain pan to be dynamically positioned and secured at optimal locations on vertical surfaces. The structure can accommodate variations in surface geometry and positioning requirements, enabling easy installation and adjustment while ensuring proper horizontal stability through secure attachment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary drain pan for installation vertically below a humidifier. The pan has a base and a peripheral wall around the base and a single opening formed in the base adapted to form an anti-backflow connection with a conduit from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and a drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the opening into the humidifier. The pan has a structure for supporting the base and having connecting features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, with the base secured in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.