Humidifier Water Tank Level Display Using Magnetic Floater Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners lack effective methods for monitoring and displaying the water level in humidification tanks, leading to user uncertainty about when to refill and potential water overflow issues.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system with a water tank, a transparent visual body, a water level sensor using a floater and multiple hole sensors to detect magnetic forces, and a control unit that displays the water level in multiple stages, preventing overflow and ensuring accurate water level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple water level notification system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The water level measurement range is divided into multiple stages using multiple hole sensors positioned at different heights. Each sensor detects a specific water level stage, transforming a continuous measurement problem into discrete segmented detection zones, thereby achieving precise multi-stage water level monitoring without excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic floater is introduced as an intermediary element that moves with water level changes and interacts with the hole sensors. The floater contains a magnet that triggers sensors when passing through their detection zones, enabling indirect but accurate water level measurement without direct mechanical contact between sensors and water
2Reliability
If continuous water level monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of water level information is improved, but the loss of time for processing and displaying data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling of water level data through the continuously positioned hole sensors. Instead of attempting to capture every instantaneous change, the system periodically checks water level stages and updates displays only when actual changes occur, balancing reliability with time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically processes sensor signals and updates the water level display without requiring manual intervention or complex external processing systems. The system serves itself by autonomously interpreting sensor data and maintaining accurate water level information, reducing time loss in data processing
3Loss of information
If multi-stage water level display is implemented, then the loss of information about water quantity is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different colors to represent different water level stages on the display. Each color corresponds to a specific water quantity range, allowing users to quickly comprehend water levels without complex numerical data. This visual encoding reduces information loss while keeping the display system simple and intuitive
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
Enables continuous and accurate water level measurement and display, allowing users to predict refilling needs and preventing overflow, while ensuring precise water level determination and notification of empty tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a water level sensor including a plurality of hole sensors to measure a water level of the water tank in a multi-stage, a floater disposed at the water tank to move vertically according to a water level, and at least one of the plurality of hole sensors detects a magnetic force generated by the floater to output a signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a water tank (30) to store water, a visual body (210) disposed over the water tank (30) and formed of a transparent material, a watering housing (800) to draw water stored in the water tank (30) and to spray the drawn water to the visual body (210), a water level sensor (142) to measure a water level of the water tank in a multi-stage, a top cover assembly (230) disposed over the visual body (210) and having a water supply hole (109) to supply water to the water tank (30), and a water level display unit (250) disposed beside the water supply hole (109) of the top cover assembly (230) to display a water level measured by the water level sensor (142) in a multi-stage.