Water Purifier Valve Control via TDS and Flow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers using reverse osmosis filters face challenges in maintaining optimal ion removal performance due to difficulties in effectively controlling the flow rate of concentrated water, which affects the recovery rate.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier system that includes a TDS measurement unit, flow rate measurement units, and a control unit to precisely control the opening degree of a concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve based on intake TDS values and flow rates, optimizing the flow rate to maintain desired recovery rates and prevent valve issues like clogging or breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow rate of concentrated water is not precisely controlled, then the recovery rate cannot be maintained at an appropriate value, but implementing flow rate control requires additional measurement units and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives the intake TDS value from the TDS measurement unit and the flow rates from the flow rate measurement units, then adjusts the opening degree of the concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve based on this feedback information to maintain appropriate recovery rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical flow rate control with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors (TDS measurement unit, flow rate measurement units) and a control unit to precisely regulate the concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve, substituting mechanical adjustment with electronic control
2Productivity
If the concentrated water flow rate is not optimized, then ion removal performance deteriorates, but precise control requires multiple sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it receives the intake TDS value from the TDS measurement unit, receives flow rate data from the flow rate measurement units, calculates the appropriate opening degree of the concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve, and sends control signals to the valve, consolidating multiple control functions into a single control unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the concentrated water flow rate based on real-time measurements of intake TDS and flow rates, enabling the water purifier to self-regulate its recovery rate without manual intervention, maintaining optimal ion removal performance adaptively
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 precise control of the concentrated water flow rate, maintaining optimal ion removal performance and preventing valve malfunctions, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the water purification process.
Implementation Method 1
A water purifier may use a reverse osmosis filter to remove harmful components such as impurities, or the like, contained in water
Implementation Method 2
a TDS measurement unit 120, configured to measure an intake TDS value of water to be introduced into the filter unit
Implementation Method 3
a first flow rate measurement unit 130, configured to measure a flow rate of the concentrated water; a second flow rate measurement unit 140, configured to measure a flow rate of the purified water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier can comprise: a filter unit for generating purified water by filtering influent water; a TDS measurement unit provided on the front end of the filter unit so as to measure the TDS of water flowing into the filter unit; a first flow rate measurement unit provided on the front end of the filter unit so as to measure the flow rate of the water flowing into the filter unit; a second flow rate measurement unit provided on the rear end of the filter unit so as to measure the flow rate of the purified water discharged from the filter unit; a concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve for adjusting the flow rate of concentrated water discharged from the filter unit; and a control unit for controlling an opening degree of the concentrated water flow rate adjustment valve on the basis of a measurement value received from at least one of the TDS measurement unit, the first flow rate measurement unit, and the second flow rate measurement unit.