Humidifier Magnetic Float Assembly for Atomizing Plate Safety Shutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humidifiers face safety hazards when the water tank is separated from the base, as the atomizing plate continues to operate, posing a risk.

Innovation Solution

A humidifier design incorporating a magnetic signal generator, a float assembly, and a drain valve system that stops the atomizing plate operation when the water tank is detached by using a reed switch or Hall sensor to detect the separation, ensuring the magnet and float mechanism triggers the control panel to power off the atomizing plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the atomizing plate continues to operate when the water tank is separated from the base, then the humidifier maintains continuous operation, but safety hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the float assembly and magnetic signal generator in a state ready to detect water tank separation. When the water tank is properly installed, the float sits at a predetermined position and the magnetic field is configured to normally allow atomizing plate operation. Upon separation, the float automatically moves to trigger the reed switch, preemptively stopping operation before safety hazards can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches or complex linkages to detect water tank separation, the invention uses a magnet embedded in the float assembly that interacts with a reed switch or Hall sensor on the circuit board. This substitution simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining reliable safety detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a magnetic signal generator and float assembly are added to detect water tank separation, then safety is improved by stopping the atomizing plate, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety controlVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the float assembly to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a water level indicator and a separation detection trigger. The magnet embedded in the float assembly simultaneously provides magnetic field detection for the reed switch while also being part of the normal water level control mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements self-service through the automatic operation of the float assembly and magnetic detection system. The system automatically detects water tank separation and triggers the reed switch without requiring user intervention or additional control circuitry. The float assembly naturally moves with water level changes and automatically positions itself to trigger or release the magnetic signal, making the safety mechanism self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the float assembly is designed to slide along the guide seat plate, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation detection accuracyVSAvoidguide hole alignment tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the guide seat plate with a guide hole that provides predetermined alignment and positioning for the float assembly. The guide hole dimensions and positioning are pre-calculated to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances while ensuring sufficient detection precision. This pre-planned tolerance compensation allows the float to slide smoothly and trigger the magnetic signal at the correct position without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Prevents safety hazards by automatically stopping the atomizing plate when the water tank is removed, enhancing user safety and preventing unintended operation.

Implementation Method 1

A humidifier with improved control includes a water tank, a base, an ultrasonic high-frequency atomizing plate, a float assembly, a drain valve and a control panel... the magnetic signal generator is a reed switch or a Hall sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

The floating frame slidably fits with a guide hole on the guide seat plate. A lower end of the spring is arranged in the spring seat hole while an upper end fits with a lower end of the floating frame. A top of the floating frame fits with the bottom plate of the water tank. The magnetic signal generator is arranged inside the atomizing chamber and fits with the magnet.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4372290B1Humidifier with improved control and floor-standing fan
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 ZHONGSHAN HONGGUAN WEST UNION ELECTRIC TECH CO LTD
  • EP4372290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4372290B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A humidifier with improved control and a floor-standing fan are disclosed. The humidifier includes a water tank, a base, an ultrasonic high-frequency atomizing plate, a float assembly, a drain valve and a control panel. The base is provided thereon with an atomizing chamber and an atomizing plate mounting base, the drain valve is arranged on a bottom plate of the water tank, the bottom plate of the atomizing chamber is further provided with a support seat frame and a spring seat hole. The humidifier further includes a guide seat plate, a floating frame, a float block, a magnet, a spring and a magnetic signal generator. The guide seat plate is fixed on the support seat frame, the magnet is pre-embedded in the floating block, and the floating block is fixed in the floating frame. The floating frame slidably fits with a guide hole on the guide seat plate. A lower end of the spring is arranged in the spring seat hole while an upper end fits with a lower end of the floating frame. A top of the floating frame fits with the bottom plate of the water tank. The magnetic signal generator is arranged inside the atomizing chamber and fits with the magnet. When the water tank is separated from the base, the spring stretches, the floating frame moves upward, the magnet fits with the magnetic signal generator, and the control panel controls the atomizing plate to stop operating, thereby eliminating safety hazards.