Humidifier Heat Sink Assembly Isolated From Water Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifier designs face issues with heat sink corrosion and lead paint degradation when exposed to water, leading to aesthetic problems and potential health risks, especially for children's products, with no known viable alternatives to address these issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A heat sink assembly is designed with a bracket that is cooled by air flowing through the housing, avoiding direct exposure to fluid, and is made from materials that do not require painting, thus preventing corrosion and lead exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a metal heat sink is painted to prevent corrosion, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the paint separates and flakes when exposed to water and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heat sink from the water environment entirely by providing a separate cooling chamber that is isolated from the water reservoir. The heat sink is cooled by air circulation in this separate chamber, eliminating direct exposure to water and chemicals that cause paint degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium between the heat sink and the water. Instead of direct water cooling, air circulates through the cooling chamber to absorb heat from the heat sink, preventing direct contact between water and the painted metal surface.
2Shape
If paint is applied to metal heat sink surfaces, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but lead content in paint poses health risks for children's products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for painted metal surfaces by isolating the heat sink from the water environment. Since the heat sink is no longer exposed to water, it can be made from non-corrosive materials or left unpainted, eliminating lead exposure risks while maintaining aesthetic appearance through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the heat sink by using non-corrosive materials such as plastic or coated metals that do not require lead-based paint for corrosion protection. This material substitution eliminates lead exposure risks while maintaining functional and aesthetic requirements.
3Temperature
If a metal heat sink is exposed to water for cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but corrosion occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary cooling medium that transfers heat from the heat sink without direct contact with water. Air circulates through the cooling chamber, absorbing thermal energy from the heat sink through convection, thereby maintaining cooling effectiveness while preventing corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert or non-corrosive environment for the heat sink by using air instead of water as the cooling medium. Air provides a chemically inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation and corrosion of the heat sink surface while still enabling effective heat dissipation.
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 maintains electronic components at a safe temperature without exposing metal parts to water, enhancing product aesthetics and safety by preventing corrosion and lead contamination, while meeting industry guidelines for children's products.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink assembly on the housing, in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving into and through the at least one housing space
Implementation Method 2
a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for delivering humidified air to a surrounding space and having a housing defining a space within which incoming air is treated, a receptacle for a supply of fluid, and an outlet. A plurality of operating components are supported by the housing, including a nebulizer that causes fluid in the receptacle to become entrained in incoming air. The treated air flows through the housing outlet to the surrounding space. The nebulizer operable by at least one electronic component that generates heat as the nebulizer is operated. The apparatus further has a heat sink assembly on the housing in heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic heat generating component. The heat sink assembly is: a) cooled by air moving through the housing space; and b) not directly exposed to fluid in the receptacle.