Integrated Water Purifier Layout for Compact Sealed Dispensers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water dispensers face issues with water pollution due to exposure to air, inefficient use of space, and separate installation of water purification and storage components, leading to larger sizes and potential bacterial contamination.

Innovation Solution

A water dispenser design where the water purification device is integrated within the cold water container, with a cooling device outside and an insulated refrigerator housing, allowing direct discharge of purified water to prevent secondary pollution and optimizing space usage by accommodating both within a concentric arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the water purification device and water storing container are separately installed, then each component can be independently maintained and replaced, but the inner space of the dispenser housing is not efficiently used and the overall size of the water dispenser becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent maintenance and replacement of componentsVSAvoidOverall size of water dispenser

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The water purification device is nested within the water storing container, with the purification device positioned in the center and the container surrounding it. This nested arrangement allows the purification device to be integrated into the container's structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining the ability to independently access and maintain both components through designed access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If purified water is stored in a water storing container exposed to air, then the water can be stored for later use, but the water may be polluted due to microorganisms from air exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWater storage capacityVSAvoidBacterial contamination from air exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The water storing container is designed to be sealed, creating an inert environment that prevents air-borne microorganisms from contaminating the stored water. The container includes a sealed cap that closes the opening, and the purification device is integrated within this sealed environment, ensuring that water remains protected from external contamination while being stored.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Volume of moving object

If the water purification device is integrated within the cold water container, then the space is efficiently used and the dispenser volume is minimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDispenser volumeVSAvoidIntegration of purification and storage components

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the water purification device as a separate unit positioned in the center, and the water storing container as the outer structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained, reducing the complexity of integration while achieving compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design prevents water pollution, minimizes the dispenser's volume, and ensures efficient use of space by integrating the purification and storage components, while maintaining the cooling effect and preventing bacterial growth by keeping purified water from exposure to air.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling device installed outside the cold water container for cooling water in the cold water container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a refrigerator having an insulator outer wall that accommodates the cold water container, the water purification device and the cooling device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

The water purification device 11 may be formed from various water purification devices such as a filter using active carbon or any adsorptive materials known in the pertinent art

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8230692B2Water dispenser and method of purifying water

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 CLOVER CO LTD

AI summary

A water dispenser is provided, which includes a cold water container configured to store water therein, having a hollow portion; a water purification device fluidly connected to the cold water container and configured to purifying the water supplied from the cold water container, the water purification device being installed inside the hollow portion of the cold water container; and a cooling device installed outside the cold water container and configured to cool the water stored in the cold water container.