Induction steam humidifier with replaceable canister

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrode humidifiers have limitations in steam output control, which is dependent on water conductivity, and pose safety hazards during draining, making them ineffective with low conductivity water like RO and DI water.

Innovation Solution

The induction humidification system uses a replaceable canister with a nonmetallic housing and a ferromagnetic member heated by an induction coil, independent of water conductivity, allowing for controlled steam production without electrical hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electrode-type humidifiers are used, then low cost and replaceable tanks are achieved, but steam output control is limited and dependent on water conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidsteam output control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrode-based electrical heating system with an induction heating system using a ferromagnetic canister and induction coil. This substitution eliminates dependence on water conductivity for steam control while maintaining the replaceable tank advantage, resolving the contradiction between low cost and controllable steam output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the heating mechanism from direct electrical resistance heating (electrode) to electromagnetic induction heating (ferromagnetic canister). This parameter change in the heating method enables independent steam output control through induction power regulation rather than water conductivity adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electrode-type humidifiers are used, then fail-safe operation under low/no water conditions is achieved, but safety hazards during draining occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefail-safe operationVSAvoidshock hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ferromagnetic canister acts as an intermediary between the induction coil and the water. It concentrates the electromagnetic energy and transfers heat to the water without direct electrical contact, eliminating shock hazards during draining while maintaining reliable operation under low water conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct electrical contact system (electrodes in water) with an indirect electromagnetic induction system. This substitution eliminates electrical shock hazards during draining operations while preserving the fail-safe operation characteristic under low water conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If electrode humidifiers are used, then replaceable tanks with electrodes are provided for easier maintenance, but effectiveness with low conductivity water is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaintenanceVSAvoideffectiveness with low conductivity water

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrode-based heating system with an induction heating system using a ferromagnetic canister. This substitution maintains the replaceable tank design for easy maintenance while eliminating the fundamental limitation of electrode humidifiers with low conductivity water (RO and DI water).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides excellent steam control and safety, enabling the use of low conductivity water without mineral deposits, reducing the need for frequent drain cycles and improving water efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an induction coil located within the circumferential sidewall that is connected to a power source and control system. When the canister is received into the base, the ferromagnetic member circumferential sidewall is radially overlapping with the induction coil such that when power is applied to the induction coil, the ferromagnetic member is heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the ferromagnetic member is heated which in turn causes water surrounding both sides of the ferromagnetic member to be heated and turn to steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10660163B2Induction steam humidifier with replaceable canister

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 DRI STEEM CORP

AI summary

An induction humidification system is disclosed. The induction humidification system includes a base having a circumferential induction coil and a removable and replaceable cartridge received within the interior space defined by the induction coil. The canister has a nonmetallic housing, such as a plastic housing, within which a ferromagnetic member having a circumferential sidewall is disposed. When the canister is received within the base, the ferromagnetic member sidewall and the induction coil are radially overlapping such that a current applied to the induction coil causes the ferromagnetic member to be heated which in turn causes water held within the canister to be converted to steam. Once the ferromagnetic member has reached the end of its useful life, the canister can be simply replaced with a new canister that can be received by the original base.