Sabbath-Compliant Water Dispenser with Level-Based Heating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensers are not compliant with Jewish Sabbath regulations, as they either prevent hot water dispensing or lead to overheating of heating elements when the water level falls, causing inefficiencies and non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
A Sabbath-compliant water dispenser that maintains hot water at a near-scalding temperature using a controller to manage heating elements and introduce unheated water when the level falls, preventing overheating and ensuring compliance by maintaining water levels above the dispensing tap during the Sabbath mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heating element is kept on to maintain hot water temperature during Sabbath mode, then the water temperature is maintained at near-scalding level, but the heating element overheats when water level falls below predetermined level
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the water level parameter threshold for activating the heating element. Instead of using a single predetermined level, it uses a lower level threshold specifically during Sabbath mode, allowing the heating element to operate safely while maintaining water temperature compliance with Sabbath regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the water level in the hot water reservoir and provides feedback to adjust the heating element operation. When water level falls below the threshold during Sabbath mode, the system activates the heating element to maintain temperature without causing overheating, and deactivates it when water level is sufficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unheated water is prevented from being admitted into the hot water reservoir during Sabbath mode, then Sabbath compliance is maintained, but the remaining water evaporates and causes water level to drop below predetermined low level
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining a reserve of heated water in the hot water reservoir during Sabbath mode. The heating element operates continuously at a controlled level to prevent complete evaporation of the remaining water, ensuring that sufficient hot water remains available even after evaporation losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element operates continuously during Sabbath mode to maintain water temperature and prevent complete evaporation. This continuous useful action ensures that the hot water reservoir maintains sufficient water level for compliance while preventing the water from cooling down after evaporation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is deactivated when water level falls below predetermined low level, then energy consumption is reduced, but the remaining water becomes cooled and cannot be reheated during Sabbath
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heating element based on water level conditions. During Sabbath mode, when water level falls below the threshold, the heating element is activated to maintain temperature rather than being deactivated, ensuring continuous temperature maintenance while consuming energy only when necessary.
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
Enables continuous operation during the Sabbath without overheating heating elements, ensuring hot water is available for beverages while adhering to religious restrictions and preventing water loss due to evaporation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element positioned in said hot water chamber for heating a body of water retained within said hot water chamber
Implementation Method 2
to command introduction of unheated water into said hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected, to prevent overheating of said at least one heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A Sabbath compliant water dispenser, which comprises a hot water chamber, a heating element that is positioned in the hot water chamber for heating a body of water which is retained within the hot water chamber and a tap, through which hot water is dispensable. The water dispenser is controlled by a controller which is operable in a Sabbath mode to command the heating element to maintain the body of water at an essentially constant temperature which is near to scalding temperature and to command introduction of unheated water into the hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected. This way, overheating of the heating element is prevented, while also preventing the introduced water from being dispensed.