Mineral Water Supply Module Micro Channel Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mineral water supply modules face challenges in maintaining consistent mineral concentration and flow due to varying pressure and mineral crystallization, leading to taste inconsistencies and pipe clogging, which complicates manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mineral water supply module with a micro channel unit defined by a resistance body and case, which adjusts the flow rate of minerals and prevents clogging, allowing for precise delivery of a small amount of minerals and easy maintenance, using a T-shaped connector for efficient mixing and a replaceable mineral cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the pipe inner diameter is reduced to supply a very small amount of minerals, then the mineral flow rate is controlled, but the pipe is easily clogged by scale deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The mineral supply system is segmented into a replaceable mineral cartridge and a fixed pump housing. The mineral cartridge containing the mineral supply pipe can be independently replaced, allowing the pipe to be renewed without replacing the entire pump assembly, thus solving the clogging issue while maintaining precise mineral flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mineral cartridge is designed as a disposable component that can be replaced when clogged. This allows the system to discard the clogged mineral supply pipe and recover the expensive pump mechanism, balancing the need for small mineral flow rates with reliability through easy replacement of the vulnerable component.
2Manufacturing precision
If a flow rate adjuster with small inner diameter is used to control mineral flow, then the mineral concentration is precise, but it is difficult to manufacture and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate adjustment function is integrated into the modular mineral cartridge rather than being a separate precision component. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be manufactured using standard molding techniques with acceptable precision, while the overall mineral concentration control is achieved through the designed mixing ratio in the connector, improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on a single small-diameter orifice for flow control, the system uses parameter changes in the mixing process. The mineral supply pipe has a standard diameter, and the precise mineral concentration is achieved by controlling the mixing ratio with filtered water in the T-shaped connector, rather than relying on difficult-to-manufacture small flow restrictors.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mineral supply pipe has the same inner diameter as the water discharge pipe, then manufacturing is simple, but the mineral flow rate varies with pump pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances mineral and water flow through the T-shaped connector design. The connector allows the mineral flow (from the mineral supply pipe) and water flow (from the water discharge pipe) to mix in controlled proportions. This dynamic mixing compensates for pressure variations, maintaining consistent mineral concentration even though both pipes have the same standard diameter for ease of manufacture.
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 module ensures consistent mineral water taste by precisely controlling mineral flow, reducing clogging risks, and simplifying manufacturing and maintenance, making it suitable for various drinking water supply devices.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance body defining a micro channel in which a very small amount of minerals flow, a resistance body case defining an outer contour of the micro channel
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to pressurize the mineral supply pipe
Implementation Method 3
a T-shaped connector through which the filtered water and the minerals are mixed to generate the mineral water
Data Source
AI summary
A mineral water supply module may include a water supply pipe configured to supply water in a first direction, a mineral supply pipe configured to supply minerals in a second direction, a discharge pipe configured to discharge water or mineral water in the first direction, a resistance body case configured to connect to the mineral supply pipe and including a resistance body defining a micro channel in which minerals flow in the second direction, and a connector configured to connect the water supply pipe and the discharge pipe such that the resistance body case is provided between the water supply pipe and the discharge pipe and configured to allow the mixing of water from the water supply pipe and minerals from the resistance body case.