Modular Thin-Coil Water Heater for Precise On-Demand Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems in automatic vending machines for hot drinks suffer from reduced precision in achieving prefixed temperatures, long time to reach temperatures, unnecessary stand-by function, high energy consumption, and large dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with modular elements featuring thin resistive wire coils, connected to a solenoid valve and water supply pump, equipped with temperature sensors and thermostats, allowing instantaneous heating and precise temperature control, reducing overall dimensions and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If thick-film heating elements or heat exchangers are used, then heating capacity is sufficient, but heating time is long and temperature precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thin-film heating technology where a thin film heater (typically less than 1mm thick) is used instead of traditional thick-film heating elements. This thin-film heater rapidly transfers heat to the water while maintaining precise temperature control, resolving the contradiction between heating speed and temperature precision by providing both fast response and accurate thermal regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heating element by transitioning from thick-film to thin-film construction, altering the thermal mass and heat transfer characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both rapid heating (reduced thermal mass) and precise temperature control (improved heat transfer efficiency), simultaneously addressing both contradictory requirements.
2Productivity
If stand-by function is maintained, then machine is ready for immediate operation, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic heating cycles where the thin-film heater is activated only when hot water is requested, rather than maintaining continuous stand-by heating. The rapid heating capability of the thin-film element allows the system to quickly respond to demand without sustained energy input, eliminating wasteful stand-by energy consumption while maintaining operational readiness through on-demand heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thin-film heater's rapid response characteristic to provide self-service heating only when needed, eliminating the requirement for continuous stand-by operation. The heater automatically activates upon demand and quickly delivers the required hot water, allowing the system to remain energy-efficient while maintaining the ability to serve immediately when required.
3Reliability
If traditional heating systems are used, then heating function is reliable, but overall machine dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky traditional heating systems with thin-film heating elements that have minimal thickness and volume. The thin-film heater can be integrated directly into the water flow path or housing, maintaining reliable heating function while occupying significantly less space, thus reducing the overall dimensions of the vending machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the thin-film heater within the existing structural components of the vending machine, nesting the heating element within available spaces such as water reservoir walls or flow channels. This nesting approach allows the heating function to be incorporated without adding external volume, maintaining reliability while minimizing impact on overall machine dimensions.
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 solution enables rapid (3-4 seconds) and precise temperature control, eliminates stand-by function, achieves energy savings, and reduces machine dimensions while allowing for customizable temperature settings and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more modular elements (plates), on each of which a coil of a thin resistive wire is mounted or embedded
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A heating device for hot drinks automatic dispensing machines, comprising one or more modular elements (2), at least one wire-resistive coil (1) being mounted on or being embedded into each of said elements (2); each modular element (2) is also connected with a solenoid valve (3) and with a pump (4) for dispensing liquids, such as water, said pump (4) being equipped with a non-return valve.