Pet Water Dispenser with Segmented Flow Guide and UV Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet water dispensers are inefficient in water distribution and often lead to spillage or pooling, and lack effective water sterilization and circulation systems.
Innovation Solution
A pet water dispenser design featuring a detachable inner assembly with a pump, water supply plate, and UV filtration system, where water is pumped to an upper surface and either flows or spills into a guide, with UV filters to sterilize the water, and a circulation system that allows easy maintenance and repair of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is pumped to an upper surface for distribution, then water supply efficiency is improved, but spillage and pooling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply plate is divided into multiple segments or zones with different surface characteristics. Certain areas have hydrophobic coatings while others have hydrophilic coatings, creating controlled flow paths that guide water to specific discharge locations rather than allowing random pooling or spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
A water guide structure acts as an intermediary element between the water supply plate and the drinking area. This guide channelizes the water flow, directing it along predetermined paths and preventing uncontrolled spillage while maintaining efficient water distribution.
2Reliability
If UV filters are added to sterilize water, then water hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization module is integrated into the existing pump housing or filter assembly, combining multiple functions (pumping, filtering, and sterilizing) into a single compact unit. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective water hygiene.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical filter and a housing for the UV sterilization module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sterilization equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring water hygiene.
3Reliability
If a circulation system is implemented, then water freshness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at intervals to circulate water and then entering standby mode. This periodic operation maintains water freshness by regularly refreshing the water while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system monitors water quality parameters such as turbidity or temperature, and triggers the circulation pump only when degradation is detected. This feedback-based control ensures water freshness is maintained while minimizing unnecessary pump operations and associated energy consumption.
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 system ensures efficient water distribution, reduces spillage, and effectively sterilizes water, providing a reliable and easy-to-maintain solution for pet hydration.
Implementation Method 1
UV filters to sterilize the water
Implementation Method 2
a pump, water supply plate and UV filters, an upper surface of which water supplied from the pump flows
Data Source
AI summary
A pet water dispenser may include a water guide and filter surrounding a pump such that water is well-circulated throughout the pet water dispenser. The pet water dispenser may include a water tank, a water supply pipe to which water discharged from the pump is transferred, and a water supply plate having an upper surface over which water flows. The water guide may catch water falling from the upper surface to discharge the water back to the water tank.