Induction heating module and water purifier having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers using induction heating for generating hot water face challenges in precise temperature control due to the distance between the hot water tank and the temperature sensor, leading to inaccuracies in temperature measurement and residual water issues.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design with a connector positioned closer to the hot water tank than the hot water outlet valve, incorporating a temperature sensor that is exposed through a hole in the connector to accurately measure the water temperature, reducing the distance between the sensor and the tank, and using a safety outlet to manage pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is positioned far from the hot water tank, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector as an intermediary component between the hot water tank and the temperature sensor. This connector includes a temperature sensor receiving hole that allows the temperature sensor to be positioned close to the tank outlet without increasing overall device complexity. The connector mediates the spatial relationship, enabling accurate temperature measurement while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension by positioning the temperature sensor in a different location - through the connector near the tank outlet rather than far away. By using the connector's hole to receive the sensor, the system achieves close proximity measurement without extending the sensor assembly in a straight line, thus solving the measurement precision issue without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the connector is positioned closer to the hot water tank, then the temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves multiple functions: it connects the hot water tank to the outlet valve, provides structural support, and includes a temperature sensor receiving hole for accurate temperature measurement. By making the connector multi-functional, the patent achieves improved temperature measurement accuracy without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensor mounting function into the existing connector structure. Instead of adding a separate mounting bracket or housing for the sensor, the connector itself is designed with a hole to receive the temperature sensor. This merging of functions achieves accurate temperature measurement while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between the temperature sensor and hot water tank is reduced, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor receiving hole is pre-formed in the connector during the connector manufacturing process. This preliminary action of creating the hole in advance allows the temperature sensor to be simply inserted and fixed, achieving close proximity for precise temperature control without complex assembly steps or specialized manufacturing processes.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of induction heating control by minimizing temperature differences and prevents residual water issues, ensuring efficient and precise hot water generation.
Implementation Method 1
Induction heating is a heating method that heats a metal object by electromagnetic induction. When a current is supplied to a coil, an eddy current is generated on the metal object.
Implementation Method 2
The eddy current flows through the metal object with a resistance and generates heat by Joule heating.
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor that is connected to the connector and that is configured to measure a temperature of the hot water that passes through the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a hot water tank for receiving and heating received water by induction heating, a water outlet portion that is at least partially exposed to an outside of the water purifier for discharging hot water, a hot water line that is connected to the water outlet portion to communicate the hot water from the hot water tank to the water outlet portion, a hot water outlet valve that is located at the hot water line and that opens or closes the hot water line based on a control command, a connector that includes a hot water inlet connected to a water outlet pipe of the hot water tank and a hot water outlet connected to the hot water line, and a temperature sensor that is connected to the connector and that is configured to measure a temperature of the hot water that passes through the connector.