Water Purifier Check Fitting Unit Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers face issues with residual water being affected by pressure changes in the cold water flow path, leading to potential drops and user dissatisfaction with temperature control, especially when discharging hot water.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a check fitting unit with a first check valve to separate water flow between the water discharge faucet and the cold water flow path, and using an induction heating module to control the discharge temperature of hot water, along with a control module to manage valve operations and minimize pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cold water flow path is coupled directly to the water discharge unit, then cold water can be supplied efficiently, but pressure changes cause residual water to drop and temperature control becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow control by introducing a check fitting unit with a first check valve that separates the cold water flow path from the water discharge unit. This segmentation prevents pressure changes in the cold water path from affecting residual water in the discharge unit, thereby maintaining temperature control reliability while preserving cold water supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The check fitting unit acts as an intermediary element between the cold water flow path and the water discharge unit. It allows cold water to flow into the discharge unit while blocking reverse flow caused by pressure changes, thus mediating the interaction between the two components to prevent temperature instability.
2Reliability
If check valves are installed to prevent residual water dropping, then temperature control reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check fitting unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a one-way valve to prevent residual water dropping, maintains pressure differential, and ensures proper flow direction. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than multiple separate valves, the patent reduces overall system complexity while improving temperature control reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If a slim design is implemented, then device compactness improves, but space for pressure control mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The check fitting unit is designed as a compact, nested structure that integrates the first check valve and flow control mechanisms within a small volume. This nested design allows the pressure control function to be embedded within the existing water flow path without requiring additional external space, thus maintaining the slim profile of the purifier.
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
Prevents residual water from being dropped due to pressure changes, ensures reliable temperature control for both hot and cold water discharge, and allows for a slim design of the water purifier, enhancing user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heater that includes a working coil and that is configured to inductively heat water in the hot water tank assembly using the working coil
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit that is configured to cool water purified by the filter unit using cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier that includes: a filter unit that is configured to purify water; a cooling unit that is configured to cool water purified by the filter unit using cooling water; a water discharge unit that is configured to discharge water cooled by the cooling unit; a cold water flow path that couples the cooling unit to the water discharge unit and through which water cooled by the cooling unit passes; a cold water discharge valve that is coupled to a first side of the cooling unit and that is configured to control water flow inside the cold water flow path; and a check fitting unit that is coupled to a first side of the water discharge unit and that is configured to block pressure change inside the cold water flow path is disclosed.