humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifiers face challenges in accurately detecting water levels due to the need for correct placement of the water tank and potential interference from components in the weight measurement area, which can affect the precision and stability of water level sensing.
Innovation Solution
A humidifier design featuring a middle tray with multiple weight sensors and an inner shell that transfers the load of the water tank, using lower protrusions to press the sensors and a sensor cover to prevent water ingress, ensuring stable and precise water level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water tank placement is not strictly controlled, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dedicated sensing area on the middle tray with specific local characteristics (recessed structure, protective cover) that ensures accurate weight measurement regardless of overall water tank placement variations. The local recessed area with cover creates a controlled measurement zone that maintains precision while allowing general placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle tray acts as an intermediary component between the water tank and the weight sensor. It provides a standardized interface with a recessed area that mediates the interaction, ensuring consistent measurement conditions while allowing the water tank to be placed without strict positioning requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are placed in the weight measurement area, then device functionality improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the middle tray into distinct functional zones: a recessed sensing area for weight measurement and surrounding areas for other components. This segmentation allows different components to coexist while preserving measurement accuracy by isolating the sensing zone from interfering elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed structure of the middle tray serves as an intermediary that separates the weight sensing function from other device components. By creating a physically distinct recessed area, it mediates between the need for additional components and the requirement for accurate weight measurement.
3Ease of manufacture
If water can enter the weight sensor area, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a protective cover (acting as a flexible barrier) that seals the weight sensor area while allowing the overall structure to remain simple. This cover prevents water ingress to the sensor while maintaining manufacturing ease by using a straightforward protective component rather than complex sealing mechanisms.
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 design allows for stable and precise detection of water levels by maintaining the water tank's position and preventing water from entering the weight sensors, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a middle tray disposed between the humidification module and the water tank, and including a plurality of weight sensors configured to sense a weight of the water tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a humidifier. The humidifier includes a water tank configured to form a space for storing water; a humidification module disposed below the water tank and configured to generate humidified air using water supplied from the water tank; a middle tray disposed between the humidification module and the water tank, and including a plurality of weight sensors configured to sense a weight of the water tank; and an inner shell disposed below the water tank and configured to transfer a load of the water tank to the middle tray. A plurality of lower protrusions are disposed on the bottom of the inner shell and configured to press the plurality of weight sensors, respectively. The middle tray includes a hole formed to supply the water stored in the water tank to the humidification module. The plurality of weight sensors are disposed spaced apart around the hole.