Fluid heating system and instant fluid heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid heating devices suffer from inconsistent temperature delivery, standby heat loss, and require time to reheat fluid, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in residential and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A tankless fluid heating system with multiple heat sources, temperature sensors, and an Electrical Control Unit (ECU) that monitors temperature and flow rates to deliver fluid at a consistent high temperature on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and minimizing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fluid heating devices heat and store fluid in a tank, then a finite amount of heated fluid is available, but the device requires time to reheat fluid and experiences standby heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the storage tank from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes standby heat loss. The system heats fluid on-demand as it flows through the device, eliminating the need to store heated fluid and thereby eliminating standby heat loss completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by heating fluid only when needed. The presence sensor detects when fluid is being dispensed and activates heating only during that time, making the system self-regulating and eliminating wasted energy on heating stored fluid that isn't being used.
2Productivity
If conventional fluid heating devices heat fluid consecutively, then fluid is dispensed quickly, but the temperature of the fluid per discharge is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors that continuously monitor the fluid temperature and provide feedback to the ECU. The ECU adjusts the heating elements in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring consistent temperature output even during consecutive discharges. This closed-loop control maintains reliability while supporting high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the fluid pathway and components before actual fluid discharge begins. This pre-heating action ensures that when fluid flows through the system, it immediately receives consistent heating, eliminating temperature variability during consecutive discharges.
3Measurement precision
If users test fluid temperature by touch to ensure desired temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but safety risks increase due to potential burns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of temperature testing by touch with an electronic sensing system. Temperature sensors and ECU-based control automatically monitor and verify fluid temperature, eliminating the need for users to physically test the fluid and thereby removing the burn hazard entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces temperature sensors and control electronics as intermediaries between the heating process and the user. These intermediaries continuously monitor temperature and provide automatic control, serving as a protective barrier that prevents users from being exposed to unsafe temperatures.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If tankless fluid heating system heats fluid on demand, then standby power consumption is minimized, but multiple heat sources and control systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU serves multiple functions: it controls the heating elements, monitors temperature sensors, detects presence via motion sensors, and manages the overall heating logic. This multi-functionality consolidates control responsibilities into a single intelligent unit, managing device complexity while enabling the tankless on-demand heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence sensor performs preliminary detection of user presence or fluid flow before the heating process begins. This preliminary action allows the system to remain in a low-power standby state until needed, then activate only the necessary heating functions, minimizing overall power consumption while managing complexity through intelligent sequencing.
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 provides a continuous supply of fluid at a user-defined temperature, reducing energy waste and safety risks by ensuring consistent high-temperature delivery without the need for a storage tank, while minimizing standby power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned within the fluid pathway and configured to heat the fluid to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor positioned within the fluid pathway downstream from the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid heating system may be installed for residential and commercial use, and may deliver fluid at consistent high temperatures for cooking, sterilizing tools or utensils, hot beverages and the like, without a limit on the number of consecutive discharges of fluid. The fluid heating system is installed with a tankless fluid heating device that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one heat source connected with the inlet port, and a valve connecting the at least one heat source to the outlet port. A temperature sensor is downstream of the at least one heat source and connected to the valve. Another temperature sensor is on the heat source to enable it to be kept at an elevated temperature. The valve is operated so that an entire volume of a fluid discharge from the fluid heating system is delivered at a user-specified temperature on demand, for every demand.