Detachable UV Sterilization Module for Water Purifier Cock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers face issues with ultraviolet ray exposure to users and limited light power due to the design of the ultraviolet sterilization module integrated into the water cock, which restricts the effectiveness of the sterilization process.
Innovation Solution
A detachable sterilization module with a light emitting unit mounted on the bottom of a recessed part of the module case, connected via terminal parts and a power line, allowing for secure attachment and detachment from the water cock, preventing ultraviolet ray leakage and enabling higher power usage without altering the internal structure or water outflow passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ultraviolet ray emitting unit is mounted on the upper surface of the water cock, then the sterilization function is provided, but ultraviolet rays leak to the outside causing user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The ultraviolet ray emitting unit is extracted from the water cock structure and placed inside the detachable sterilization module. This separation allows the sterilization function to be maintained while preventing direct exposure of ultraviolet rays to users, as the module can be properly positioned and contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization module acts as an intermediary structure between the ultraviolet ray emitting unit and the external environment. It provides a controlled housing that directs ultraviolet rays toward the water flow path while preventing leakage to the surrounding area, thus mediating between sterilization effectiveness and user safety.
2Power
If the power of the light emitting unit is increased, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but ultraviolet ray leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the light emitting unit into a dedicated sterilization module, the system can accommodate higher power units without increasing leakage risk. The module structure provides contained housing that safely directs the more powerful ultraviolet rays, enabling effective sterilization while maintaining user safety.
3Reliability
If the ultraviolet ray emitting unit is integrated inside the water cock, then sterilization is achieved, but the internal structure and water outflow passage must be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization module is designed as a separate, detachable component rather than integrating the emitting unit directly into the water cock. This segmentation maintains the original water cock structure and outflow passage while adding sterilization functionality through an independent module that attaches externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable sterilization module serves as a universal attachment that can be mounted on the water cock without requiring modifications to its internal structure. The module provides sterilization functionality while leaving the original water flow path intact, demonstrating multi-functionality without structural compromise.
4Ease of operation
If the sterilization module is detachable, then ease of cleaning is improved, but connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization module is segmented as a detachable component that can be easily removed for cleaning while maintaining reliable connection during operation. The detachable design with proper fastening mechanisms allows users to remove the module for cleaning without compromising the reliability of the connection when properly assembled.
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 detachable sterilization module ensures user safety by preventing ultraviolet ray exposure, allows for increased light power, reduces the need for internal structural changes, and facilitates easy cleaning, while maintaining effective sterilization without compromising the water outflow passage.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit which is mounted on a bottom part of the recessed part to emit ultraviolet rays
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing accommodating components for generating cold water and/or hot water; a water cock which protrudes from a front surface of the housing, the water cock being configured to discharge the cold water or the hot water; a control panel which is provided so as to input a command for discharging the cold water or the hot water; a sterilization module which is detachably mounted on the water cock, the sterilization module being configured to emit ultraviolet rays for sterilizing the inside of the water cock; and a fastening part which is formed on the water cock and the sterilization module, respectively, so that the sterilization module can be attached to and detached from the water cock.