Ozonated Water Faucet with Cold-Water Flow Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing faucets that discharge ozone water suffer from high water temperatures reducing ozone concentration, ineffective sterilization, and complex passage designs that further dilute ozone and complicate the system.

Innovation Solution

A faucet design featuring a control valve and detector that only activates the ozone generator when cold water flows, ensuring ozone water is generated at a lower temperature with higher concentration, and separate passages for ozone and ordinary water to maintain independence and simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mixed water (hot and cold) is used for ozone generation, then the water flow is sufficient, but the high temperature reduces ozone concentration and sterilization effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flowVSAvoidsterilization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the water supply system into two separate flow passages: one for cold water (first flow passage) and one for mixed water (second flow passage). The ozone generator is positioned to receive only cold water, ensuring high ozone concentration and effective sterilization, while mixed water flows through a separate passage without ozone injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different water quality requirements to different functions: cold water is used specifically for ozone generation where low temperature is critical for maintaining ozone concentration, while mixed water is used for general dispensing where temperature comfort is prioritized over sterilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex passage system with multiple valves is used, then water flow control is flexible, but the system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow controlVSAvoidpassage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single three-way valve that performs multiple functions: it controls the selection between cold water and mixed water sources, and also directs water flow to or away from the ozone generator. This multi-functional valve simplifies the overall system compared to using multiple specialized valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures high ozone concentration for effective sterilization, independent operation of ozone and ordinary water flows, and a compact, user-friendly structure with reduced costs by eliminating the need for an air pump.

Implementation Method 1

an ozone generator (32) connected to the water processing passage (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 2

a detector (70) configured to detect whether water flows through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow detection:

Implementation Method 3

the processor (50) is also electrically connected to the detector (70) and the control valve (60) to close the control valve (60) and the ozone generator (32) when the detector (70) detects the water flows through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3739247B1Faucet for outputting ozonated water
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES CO LTD
  • EP3739247B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3739247B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3739247B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A faucet for outputting ozonated water comprises a faucet body (10), a mixing valve mechanism (20), a water treatment device (30), a control switch (40), a processor (50), a control valve (60), and a detection device (70) for detecting if water is flowing. A faucet water outlet (11) is connected to the faucet body (10). The mixing valve mechanism (20) is provided with a hot and cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. The water treatment device (30) comprises a water treatment passage (31) and an ozone generation device (32) connected to the water treatment passage (31). The control valve (60) is arranged between a cold water source and an inlet of the water treatment passage (31), and an outlet of the water treatment passage (31) is connected to the faucet water outlet (11). The detection device (70) is arranged between the mixed water outlet of the mixing valve mechanism (20) and the inlet of the water treatment passage (31). The processor (50) is electrically connected to the control switch (40), the ozone generation device (32), the detection device (70), and the control valve (60). When the detection device (70) detects that water is flowing, the control valve (60) is closed and the ozone generation device (32) is turned off.