Liquid dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers face challenges in efficiently cooling and heating water while maintaining a compact design and preventing noise and damage from ice formation, especially when using a refrigerant-based system with a cold water pipe that is wound multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design featuring a cold water production unit with a doubly wound cold water pipe, a separator to prevent ice from blocking the flow, and holders to securely fix the pipe, allowing for efficient heat exchange and reduced height while preventing spring-back and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cold water pipe is wound multiple times to increase heat exchange area, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the pipe becomes loose and causes noise due to water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a clamp with a flexible structure that can adapt to the wound pipe shape while maintaining secure contact. The clamp's flexible design allows it to conform to the curved pipe without causing stress concentration, effectively suppressing pipe movement and noise while preserving the multi-wound configuration for efficient heat exchange
2Length of stationary object
If the cold water pipe is wound multiple times to reduce height, then compact design is achieved, but the pipe spring-back causes loose positioning and operational instability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is installed on the wound pipe before the pipe experiences spring-back forces during operation. By pre-positioning and securing the pipe in the desired wound configuration, the clamp counteracts the natural tendency of the pipe to return to its original shape, maintaining stable positioning and preventing operational instability
3Temperature
If ice forms in the tank to cool water, then cooling function is enhanced, but ice blocks the water flow path causing operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separator that divides the tank into distinct regions: one for ice formation and another for water flow. This segmentation allows ice to form in designated areas without blocking the water flow path, maintaining both cooling capability and continuous water circulation
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 design achieves efficient cooling and heating of water with a compact form factor, preventing ice from causing noise or damage and ensuring stable operation by maintaining uniform temperature and securely fixing the cold water pipe.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator provided in the tank to carry refrigerant, thereby cooling the cooling water in the tank through heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
a cold water pipe provided in the tank to carry purified water to be cooled through contact with the cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a cooling water tank that holds cooling water; a stirring member that is provided in the cooling water tank to stir the cooling water; a cold water pipe that is provided in the cooling water tank and wound several times in a cylindrical shape; an evaporator that is provided in the cooling water tank; a separator on which the evaporator is provided and that is provided over the cold water pipe to divide an internal space of the cooling water tank into a first space and a second space; and a plurality of holders that protrude upward from the bottom of the cooling water tank, and each of the holders having a seating groove for receiving a portion the cold water pipe.