Multilayer Induction Heating Coil for Compact Water Purifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purifiers require inconvenient setup and may generate steam due to local overheating, failing to provide compact and user-preferable temperature-adjusted hot water efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A compact home appliance with a multilayer coil design, temperature sensors, and a flow path guide that heats water flowing through a heating flow path using inductive heating, preventing steam generation and allowing user-set temperature control without standby power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a storage container and heating source are used to heat water, then hot water can be supplied, but the device occupies more space and requires inconvenient setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of hot water supplyVSAvoidspace occupied by storage container
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating function from a separate storage container system and integrates it directly into the water purifier body. The heating source is positioned within the purifier to directly heat water in the heating flow path, eliminating the need for a dedicated storage container and its associated setup requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the heating function with the water purification system by integrating the heating source and heating flow path within the purifier body. This combination allows the purifier to directly supply hot water without requiring a separate storage container, reducing space and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If heating means directly heats water in the flow path, then heating efficiency improves, but local overheating occurs causing steam generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidsteam generation from local overheating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing a heating flow path where water flows along the heating source, ensuring that different sections of water receive appropriate heating. The flow path geometry and water flow distribution create uniform heat transfer throughout, preventing localized overheating zones that would cause steam generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating flow path acts as an intermediary between the heating source and the water. It distributes water uniformly across the heating source surface, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing direct concentrated heating that would cause local overheating and steam generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If water is heated quickly to desired temperature, then user preference is satisfied, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speedVSAvoidenergy consumption for heating
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous heating as water flows through the heating flow path. The heating source continuously heats water throughout the flow process rather than heating a large volume at once, maintaining efficient energy utilization while achieving quick heating of the required amount of water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial heating by only heating the specific amount of water that flows through the heating flow path at any given time. This avoids the energy waste of heating excessive water that would be stored and later used, achieving quick heating efficiency with optimized energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 provides quick, uniform heating of water to the desired temperature, preventing steam formation and ensuring user preferences, while maintaining a compact design and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a coil part (730) generating an alternating magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heats water flowing through a heating flow path using inductive heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3160613B1Home appliance
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3160613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3160613B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3160613B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a home appliance. The home appliance includes a dispensing port, a heating flow path part communicating with the dispensing port, a heating device for heating water flowing through the heating flow path part, and a controller controlling the heating device. The heating device includes a coil part in which coils are stacked in multilayers.