Submersible Heater and Controller for Portable Sink Water Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable sinks lack the ability to maintain water at a consistent temperature, especially in outdoor or unheated environments, which can lead to discomfort and inefficiency in cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable sink assembly incorporating a submersible heater and controller system that maintains water at a selected temperature, using a powered pump to circulate water through the heater and a controller to regulate both the pump and heater operations for efficient energy use and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable sink is used in outdoor or unheated environments, then the sink can be positioned for various events and locations, but the water temperature cannot be maintained consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the portable sink with an integrated heating system, pump, and controller into a single self-contained unit. The heater assembly is positioned within the clean water tank, and the pump circulates water through the heater, allowing temperature maintenance without requiring connection to fixed plumbing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a controller that automatically regulates the heater and pump operations based on temperature sensors. The controller maintains water at a selected temperature without manual intervention, and the system can operate independently without external water supplies or drainage connections.
2Temperature
If a heater is added to maintain water temperature, then water temperature consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the water temperature and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the heater power and pump operation based on this feedback, activating the heater only when temperature drops below the selected setpoint and reducing power when the target temperature is achieved, thereby minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump circulates water through the heater in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the pump and heater only when temperature maintenance is needed, allowing the system to conserve energy by remaining inactive during periods when ambient conditions maintain adequate water temperature.
3Temperature
If a pump and heater system is integrated into the portable sink, then water temperature maintenance is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump, heater assembly, controller, and temperature sensors into a single unified system housed within the portable sink structure. The heater is positioned inside the clean water tank, and all components are electrically and fluidly connected through compact assemblies, reducing the need for external attachments and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 water is maintained at a consistent temperature, preventing freezing and ensuring cleanliness, making it suitable for various environments and applications without the need for a connected water source.
Implementation Method 1
The heater assembly may include one or more enclosed heating element that transfers thermal energy (heat) to the water in the clean tank
Implementation Method 2
heating element that transfers thermal energy (heat) to the water in the clean tank
Implementation Method 3
A powered and/or automatic pump may be provide to move water relative to the heater
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and pumping system is disclosed. The system may be usable in a portable sink that includes a clean water source having incorporated therein the system with a submersible heater. The heater may include an enclosed heating element that transfers thermal energy (heat) to the water in the clean tank. A powered and/or automatic pump may be provided to move water relative to the heater. A controller with the system may control the operation of the heater and/or the pump to achieve the selected temperature of the clean water.