Tub for humidifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidifier tubs face challenges in achieving efficient heat transfer while ensuring proper insulation to prevent electrical shorts and accommodate thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
The tub design incorporates a container made of a first material with a heating element and a lining made of a second, biocompatible material that is thermally conductive and electrically insulating, allowing for effective heat transfer and stress accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-material container is used for the tub, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot simultaneously provide good heat conduction, electrical insulation, and stress accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is constructed using composite materials: an inner container made of thermally conductive material (aluminum or stainless steel) and an outer housing made of electrically insulating material (medical-grade polymer). This composite structure allows the inner container to efficiently conduct heat from the heating element while the outer housing provides electrical insulation and structural support, resolving the contradiction between heat conduction and electrical insulation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The tub is divided into separate components: an inner container and an outer housing that are assembled together. The inner container specifically contacts the heating element and water, while the outer housing provides insulation and structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner container focusing on thermal performance and the outer housing on electrical insulation and stress accommodation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a thermally conductive material is used for the container, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but electrical insulation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-material construction with thermally conductive inner container and electrically insulating outer housing allows the system to simultaneously achieve high heat transfer efficiency through the inner container while maintaining electrical insulation through the outer housing, eliminating the need to choose between these conflicting requirements
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid container structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but stress from thermal expansion cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tub into an inner container and outer housing, the design allows the inner container to expand and contract with thermal stress while the outer housing maintains overall structural stability. The separation enables independent movement of components, accommodating thermal expansion without compromising structural integrity
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
This dual-material approach enhances heat efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and provides reliable electrical insulation, addressing the limitations of previous tub designs.
Implementation Method 1
The water in the water tub is typically heated via thermal conduction between the heating element and the tub base of the water tub
Implementation Method 2
the second material may be chosen such as to provide a preferably elastic lining which is adapted to electrically insulate the supply of water from the heating element
Implementation Method 3
accommodate any stress caused by thermal expansion of, e.g., the heating element
Implementation Method 4
the second material may be chosen such as to provide a preferably elastic lining which is adapted to electrically insulate the supply of water from the heating element
Implementation Method 5
the second material may be chosen to be a particularly good heat conductor in order to provide for effective heat transport from the heating element to the supply of liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a tub for a humidifier comprising: a container made of a first material, a heating element provided on at least the base of the container, and a lining comprising a second material different from the first material; wherein the container comprises a base and a side wall defining a reservoir for a supply of liquid to be evaporated, the heating element is provided on an inner surface of the container, and the lining directly covers the heating element, wherein the lining is molded over the heating element and a substantial portion of the inner surface of the sidewall of the container, and wherein lining provides a water and/or vapor sealed protection layer across the heating element.