Rotating Handle Tank Assembly for Cleanable Steam Humidifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam humidifiers face issues with impurities depositing in the tank, leading to reduced efficiency and potential failure due to the accumulation of minerals and sediments, requiring frequent manual cleaning, and existing solutions for residential applications are either costly or pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A steam humidifier with a removable tank featuring a quick assembly feature, utilizing a handle with rotational positions to securely attach and detach the tank from the humidifier, allowing for easy cleaning without special tools or training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the tank is made removable for cleaning, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional attachment and detachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The humidifier is divided into separable components: a removable tank and a stationary base. The tank can be detached for cleaning and reattached when needed, allowing maintenance without disassembling the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism provides dynamic attachment and detachment capability. By rotating the handle between locked and unlocked positions, the tank can be easily secured or removed from the base, enabling flexible maintenance access.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to prevent tank detachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism provides dynamic attachment and detachment capability. By rotating the handle between locked and unlocked positions, the tank can be easily secured or removed from the base, enabling flexible maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tank and base. It provides controlled engagement through the locking mechanism, ensuring secure attachment during operation while allowing easy detachment when the handle is released.
3Productivity
If pressurized steam injection is used for humidification, then steam production efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to explosion and burning hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter from high (pressurized steam) to low (atmospheric pressure). The heating element boils water at atmospheric pressure, producing steam without the explosion and burning hazards associated with pressurized steam systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive heating element instead of complex pressurized steam generation equipment. This eliminates safety risks while providing sufficient steam production for residential humidification needs.
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
Facilitates regular maintenance by enabling easy removal and reinstallation of the tank, reducing the risk of clogging and overheating, and addressing safety concerns associated with pressurized steam systems.
Implementation Method 1
heat is generated within a tank of water, causing the water to boil and steam to be generated
Implementation Method 2
heat is generated within a tank of water, causing the water to boil and steam to be generated
Implementation Method 3
The handle defines at least a first rotational position in which a tank support feature on the tank is engaged with a handle support feature on the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A steam humidifier having a water tank with a quick assembly feature. The steam humidifier includes a removable tank, where the removable tank is configured to contain water to be heated to generate steam and a handle that is configured to selectively secure the removable tank to the humidifier. The handle defines at least a first rotational position in which a tank support feature on the tank is engaged with a handle support feature on the handle such that the tank is attached to the humidifier. The handle further defines at least a second rotational position in which the tank support feature is disengaged from the handle support feature such that the tank is unattached from the humidifier. Additional embodiments are disclosed.