Ultrasonic Sensor Vertical Movement for Water Purifier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifying devices face challenges in accurately detecting the height of a container's inlet and the level of purified water, particularly when the container is placed off-center, leading to increased production costs and potential hygiene issues due to contact between the water discharge module and the container.
Innovation Solution
A water purifying device with a vertically movable water discharge module equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives signals at different points to accurately measure the container's inlet height and water level, using a single ultrasonic sensor with a fixed beam angle and adjustable signal amplification ratios to prevent interference and ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two different ultrasonic sensors with different transmission angles are used to measure container height and water level, then measurement accuracy is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into two distinct phases: first measuring container height from an upper position, then measuring water level from a lower position. This temporal and spatial segmentation allows a single sensor to perform multiple measurement functions that would otherwise require two simultaneous sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The water discharge module is designed to move vertically between a first position (for container height measurement) and a second position (for water level measurement). This dynamic positioning enables the single ultrasonic sensor to access different measurement zones, effectively replacing the need for multiple fixed sensors with different beam angles.
2Ease of operation
If the water discharge module contacts the container to detect inlet height, then measurement is simplified, but hygiene issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical detection with non-contact ultrasonic measurement. The ultrasonic sensor emits sound waves that reflect off the container inlet and water surface, allowing the system to obtain measurement data without physical contact between the water discharge module and the container.
3Device complexity
If a single ultrasonic sensor with fixed beam angle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when container is off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by moving the sensor between two distinct height positions. This vertical movement compensates for the fixed beam angle limitation, allowing the sensor to capture reflection signals from containers positioned at different horizontal locations by adjusting the vertical measurement perspective.
4Device complexity
If the water discharge module is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to measure both container height and water level with single sensor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The water discharge module is designed with dual functionality: it serves both as the water dispensing mechanism and as the mounting platform for the ultrasonic sensor. By moving this single module between two positions, the system achieves multiple measurement capabilities (container height and water level detection) without adding separate dedicated measurement devices.
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 solution enables precise detection of both the container's inlet height and water level without contacting the container, reducing production costs and preventing hygiene issues, while maintaining accuracy even for containers with narrow inlets or placed in any position.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that measures a height of an inlet of the container and a height of the water contained in the container, by transmitting and receiving a signal for measuring a distance
Implementation Method 2
transmitting and receiving a signal for measuring a distance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a water purifying device and a method for controlling the same. The water purifying device is characterized in that a water discharge module capable of moving vertically is provided with a sensor. Specifically, in the water purifying device of one embodiment, the sensor may measure a height of a container, by transmitting and receiving a signal for measuring a distance at a first point of the water discharge module, and may detect both a height of the inlet of the container and a water level, by transmitting and receiving the signal and measuring a water level at a second point of the water discharge module.