Pet Water Dispenser Filtration and Temperature Control Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet water dispensers fail to provide fresh, clean water at a desirable temperature, often leading to contamination and unsatisfactory drinking experiences for pets, with issues including uncontrolled water temperature, inaccurate water level detection, and limited power management, which can result in electric shock and durability problems.
Innovation Solution
A pet water dispenser with a thermoelectric device for temperature control, a float mechanism for water level detection, and a dual-filter system for water purification, along with a battery-powered and externally powered operation, ensuring safe and efficient water delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the functional insert housing is provided inside the drinking bowl, then water circulation is improved, but pets cannot drink falling water and the open upper side allows contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The functional insert housing is extracted from inside the drinking bowl and repositioned to the side. This extraction serves two purposes: it maintains the water circulation function while creating an open space in the center of the bowl for pets to access falling water, and it allows the upper side of the bowl to remain open for drinking while preventing contamination through proper positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the water level gauge is immersed in the water in the technology block for detection, then water level sensing is enabled, but the water level cannot be accurately detected after long use
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary for water level detection. The float contains a magnet that generates a magnetic field, which interacts with a reed switch or Hall sensor to detect water level. This indirect magnetic field-based detection method avoids direct contact between the gauge and water, eliminating contamination issues while maintaining accurate detection over time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power is transmitted only from the base plate to the drinking bowl, then power supply to pump is enabled, but electronic devices in the base plate cannot be operated without external power
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission direction is inverted by placing a rechargeable battery in the drinking bowl instead of the base plate. The battery can be charged from external power when the device is plugged in, and can independently power electronic devices in the base plate when disconnected. This inversion provides bidirectional power management flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system transitions from a single-source (external power) configuration to a dual-source configuration with both external power and rechargeable battery. This parameter change in power source availability enables flexible operation modes: powered mode with external power, battery mode when disconnected, and charging mode when both are available.
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 provides fresh, clean water at a controlled temperature, accurately detects water levels, and operates safely and efficiently, addressing contamination and durability concerns while offering a pleasing drinking experience for pets.
Implementation Method 1
a base to support the container and having a thermoelectric device to change a temperature of the liquid in the container
Implementation Method 2
a float mechanism for water level detection
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A liquid dispenser (1), comprising: a container (200) configured to store liquid and having an upper rim (230) defining an upper opening; a base (100) to support the container (200) and having a thermoelectric device (191 b) to change a temperature of the liquid in the container (200); a pump (192) having an inlet (192c) to suction liquid stored in the container (200) and an outlet (192a) to discharge the liquid; a filter assembly (300) having at least one first filter (310, 326, 325a) and being supported on the upper rim (230) of the container (200), the filter assembly (300) having an inner opening (311, 321), a bottom surface (312, 322) surrounding the inner opening (311, 321), and an inclined wall (313, 323) extending from the bottom surface (312, 322) and being supported by the upper rim (230) of the container (200); and a dispensing assembly (400) to cover the inner opening (311, 321) of the filter assembly (300) such that the dispensing assembly (400) and the filter assembly (300) close the upper opening of the container (200), the dispensing assembly (400) having a top plate (420), the top plate (420) having a hole (421) communicating with the outlet (192a) of the pump (192) such that the liquid pumped by the pump (192) spreads over the top plate (420), cascades to the filter assembly (300) to be filtered by the first filter (310, 326, 325a), and returns to the container (200).