Detachable Humidifier Flow Path for Easy Cleaning and Water Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifiers have complex structures that make them difficult to disassemble, clean, and maintain, leading to hygiene issues and inaccurate water level detection due to integrated weight measurement sensors that are prone to malfunction and damage.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design with a separable flow path structure, where the inner shell and water tank are detachable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance, and a load sensor system that separates the water tank from the weight measurement sensors to improve accuracy and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the humidifier uses an integrated structure with multiple parts assembled inside the case, then the device can be compact, but it becomes difficult to disassemble and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier is divided into distinct modules: a water tank module that can be detached from the case, and a separate flow path structure. The water tank module includes the water tank and associated components, allowing users to easily remove and clean the water storage area without disassembling the entire device. This segmentation maintains compact overall volume while enabling easy maintenance.
2Device complexity
If weight measurement sensors are integrated into the housing to detect water level, then the structure is simplified, but the sensors become prone to malfunction and damage from water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The weight measurement sensors are extracted from the housing and relocated to the water tank module. This allows the sensors to remain integrated with the water level detection function while being protected from water damage through proper sealing in the removable tank module. The sensors can accurately measure water weight without being exposed to the humid environment inside the main housing.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple parts are assembled in a complex structure, then the humidifier can be compact, but users find it difficult to reassemble parts after disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into clearly defined modules with standardized connection interfaces. The water tank module attaches to the case through simple mechanical coupling mechanisms that provide tactile feedback and visual alignment guides. This modular design with clear interfaces enables users to easily reassemble the components in the correct configuration without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a humidifier. The humidifier of the present invention may comprise a humidifying device generating humidified air; and a flow path unit disposed in the upper side of the humidifying device and guiding humidified air, wherein the flow path unit includes an inner shell that opens upward and through which humidified air generated by the humidifying device flows; and a water tank disposed inside the inner shell and supplying stored water to the humidifying device, wherein a discharge flow path through which humidified air flows is formed between the inner shell and the water tank; and the inner shell is detachably coupled to the upper side of the humidifying device.