Movable Water Outlet Sterilization Structure for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water outlets in water treatment systems are frequently exposed externally, leading to contamination and degradation of sanitary properties, which can result in contaminated water being supplied to users.
Innovation Solution
A sterilizing structure for water outlets that includes a movable water outlet and a sterilizer with a sterilizing space, where the water outlet can be exposed or concealed based on movement, and is treated with sterilizing water generated by a sterilizing water generation unit, utilizing a sealing member to maintain sterility and an ultraviolet irradiation unit for enhanced sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water outlet is constantly exposed externally for water discharge, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sanitary properties are degraded due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The water outlet is designed to move between an exposed position (for water discharge) and a retracted position (for sterilization and protection). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between operational mode and sterilization mode, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and sanitary properties by temporally separating these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizer performs sterilization of the water outlet before the outlet is exposed for water discharge. By conducting preliminary sterilization action, the system ensures sanitary properties are maintained while allowing subsequent easy operation without contamination risk.
2Productivity
If the water outlet is exposed externally for water discharge, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The movable water outlet enables dynamic switching between exposure (for productivity) and retraction (for reliability). During water discharge operations, the outlet is exposed to maintain productivity. During sterilization cycles, the outlet is retracted to ensure reliability by preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizer acts as an intermediary device that treats the water outlet between exposure periods. This intermediary sterilization process ensures that the outlet maintains high reliability (sanitary quality) while still allowing frequent exposure for water discharge operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sterilizer is added to sterilize the water outlet, then the sanitary properties are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizer is integrated into the same housing as the water treatment apparatus, and the water outlet serves dual purposes (water discharge and sterilization target). This merging of functions reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate sterilization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The water outlet structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the water discharge conduit and the target for sterilization. The movable mechanism provides both exposure for discharge and retraction for sterilization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a sterilizing structure of a water outlet and a water treatment apparatus including the same. The sterilizing structure of the water outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a water outlet for discharging treated water treated in a water treatment device externally, and a sterilizer for sterilizing the water outlet.