Domestic Appliance Vaporizer Emptying Control Against Pump Dry Running

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vaporizers in domestic appliances often run dry due to fluctuating pump throughput, leading to reduced service life and noise issues, as existing methods rely solely on time-controlled emptying without adequate level detection.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves filling the vaporizer to a predetermined level, initiating a time measurement when the level falls below this threshold, switching on the heating system once the level is below the fill point, and calculating the delivery output based on the emptying duration to prevent dry running without additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If time-controlled emptying is used, then the vaporizer can be emptied automatically, but the pump may run dry due to fluctuating throughput rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic emptying controlVSAvoidpump dry running prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback from the level detector to control the emptying process. When the liquid level drops below the predetermined level, the system receives feedback and stops the emptying process, preventing the pump from running dry while maintaining automatic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the liquid level before the pump actually runs dry. The level detector anticipates the dry running condition and triggers the stop signal in advance, preventing damage to the pump

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If time-controlled emptying is used, then the emptying process is simple to control, but noise emission increases due to pump dry running

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemptying control simplicityVSAvoidnoise emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism from the level detector allows the system to automatically stop the pump before dry running occurs, eliminating noise without complicating the control system. The feedback loop maintains simplicity while preventing harmful noise emission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If pump throughput fluctuation is accommodated, then the system can handle variable flow rates, but the pump service life is reduced due to frequent dry running

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable throughput handlingVSAvoidpump service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, cost-effective level detector that provides reliable protection against dry running. This inexpensive sensing component prevents wear and extends the service life of the expensive pump by detecting level conditions and stopping the emptying process before damage occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing level detector information to automatically control the emptying process, making the system self-regulating. The pump protects itself from dry running conditions through the feedback mechanism without requiring external intervention or complex additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method effectively prevents pump dry running, extends the service life of the emptying arrangement, reduces noise, and allows for a cost-effective solution with higher tolerance in delivery output by accurately determining the emptying duration.

Implementation Method 1

a heating system (9) arranged in the receiving chamber (R)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least part of a level detector (16) for detecting a predetermined filling level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

at least part of an overheating detector for establishing that the heating system has overheated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

a pump for moving the liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10349775B2Operation of a vaporizer of a domestic appliance

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH

AI summary

In a method for operating a vaporizer of a domestic appliance, the vaporizer is filled at least to a predetermined filling level. The vaporizer can be emptied using an emptying arrangement. A time measurement is started, when a filling level falls below the predetermined filling level. A heating system of the vaporizer is switched on, when the filling level falls below the predetermined filling level. The time measurement is stopped, when the heating system has overheated, and a delivery output is calculated during emptying of the vaporizer, from a duration for emptying that is determined by the time measurement.