Washer Overflow Prevention Using Binary Water Level Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer overflow prevention systems require extensive wiring, leading to high costs and increased labor for installation and maintenance due to complex wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
A washer with a simplified overflow prevention device using a pressure switch that moves between three configurations to detect water levels, reducing the need for extensive wiring by using binary logic to convey water level information through two electric conductors, thereby activating the drainage pump only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional overflow prevention device with multiple contacts and cables is used, then water level detection and overflow prevention function is achieved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (low water level, high water level, and overflow detection) into a single pressure switch with three configurations. The switch integrates multiple contact points and signaling functions that were previously distributed across separate components, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining comprehensive water level monitoring and overflow prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects low water level, high water level, and dangerous overflow conditions, and activates different responses (inflow enablement, inflow inhibition, and drainage pump activation) based on the detected condition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection devices for each water level threshold.
2Reliability
If extensive wiring is used for overflow prevention, then comprehensive water level detection is achieved, but installation and maintenance labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single pressure switch component with three configurations, reducing the number of separate cables and connections required. This consolidation significantly reduces installation time and simplifies maintenance procedures while maintaining accurate detection of all water level conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch acts as an intermediary device that translates physical water level conditions into electrical signals through its three configurations. This mediator component simplifies the interface between the water tank system and the control electronics, reducing wiring complexity and installation effort.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cables and contacts are used for overflow prevention, then accurate water level signaling is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single pressure switch with three configurations, reducing the quantity of cables and contact materials required. The consolidated design maintains precise water level detection while minimizing material usage and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch provides multi-functional detection (low level, high level, overflow) through a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection systems and reducing overall wiring material requirements while maintaining detection precision.
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 solution reduces wiring costs and labor time, simplifies the circuit, and minimizes the risk of malfunctions while effectively preventing water overflows with fewer components and no additional wiring to the drainage pump.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure switch which, depending on the water level detected in the washing tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A washer comprises: a washing tank (2); a detector (3) for the water level in the washing tank (2); a washer (1) electronic control unit (4), the electronic control unit (4) being electrically connected to a first and a second electric conductor (51, 52) which in turn can be connected to a movable switch (5) controlled by the detector (3) depending on the water level in the washing tank (2). The first and second electric conductors (51, 52) transfer to the electronic control unit (4) at least three different items of information relating to the water level in the washing tank (2). Said transfer is carried out according to a binary logic linked to whether or not an electric current passes in each electric conductor (51, 52). Each item of information corresponds to one of the corresponding different configurations of the switch (5).