Water Conditioner with Flow-Responsive Solubility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water treatment systems for appliances face challenges in maintaining effective concentrations of anti-scaling substances like polyphosphates to prevent mineral precipitates, such as lime, due to fluctuations in flow rates and stagnation periods, leading to either inadequate or excessive concentrations, which compromise the effectiveness of mineral precipitate reduction.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment apparatus that employs a moderator to adjust the solubility of anti-scaling agents based on flow conditions, using a first medium to increase solubility during flow and a second medium to maintain or reduce solubility during stagnation, ensuring consistent concentrations and preventing mineral precipitates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sparingly soluble anti-scaling substances are used to avoid excessive concentrations during stagnation, then the concentration remains safe during stagnation, but the concentration falls below the minimum required level during high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the solubility of the anti-scaling substance variable rather than fixed. The solubility changes dynamically based on flow conditions: during stagnation it remains low to prevent excessive concentration, while during high flow rates it increases to maintain effective concentration levels. This is achieved through a solubility-modifying substance that responds to flow-induced changes in the water environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the solubility parameter of the anti-scaling substance based on operating conditions. By introducing a solubility-modifying substance, the solubility of the sparingly soluble anti-scaling agent is adjusted according to flow rate variations, ensuring effective concentration is maintained during high flow while preventing excessive concentration during stagnation periods.
2Productivity
If highly soluble anti-scaling substances are used to maintain effective concentration during high flow rates, then the concentration remains sufficient during flow, but the concentration becomes excessive during stagnation periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from using a fixed-solubility substance to a dynamic system where solubility adjusts automatically with flow conditions. During high flow rates, the environment promotes higher solubility and dissolution of the anti-scaling substance, while during stagnation, solubility decreases to prevent excessive concentration accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solubility-modifying substance as an intermediary that mediates between the anti-scaling substance and the water environment. This intermediary substance responds to flow-induced changes in the water chemistry or physical conditions, thereby controlling the solubility of the anti-scaling agent indirectly and preventing both deficiency and excess concentration.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid metering devices are used to add polyphosphate concentrate, then uniform introduction is achieved, but the system complexity increases and requires continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically regulate its own anti-scaling substance concentration without external control mechanisms. The solubility-modifying substance creates a self-regulating system where the dissolution and release of the anti-scaling agent automatically adjusts to flow conditions, eliminating the need for liquid metering devices, continuous monitoring, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex control mechanism (liquid metering device) from the system and replaces it with a passive, flow-responsive dissolution system. The solubility-modifying substance enables the anti-scaling agent to self-regulate its release based on natural flow-induced changes in the water environment, removing the need for active metering and control equipment.
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 approach ensures that the concentration of anti-scaling agents remains within a prescribed range, effectively preventing mineral precipitates in appliances even under varying operating conditions, maintaining the effectiveness of the water treatment and preventing both deficiency and excess concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a first medium which influences the dissolution behavior of the agent for reducing mineral precipitates
Implementation Method 2
agents for preventing crystal formation, for example CaCO3 crystal formation, or for stabilizing minerals dissolved in the water
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a water treatment apparatus (1), in particular for supplying water-conducting and/or water-heating household appliances or appliances for producing and preparing food and/or beverages using treated drinking water, e.g. automatic drinks machines, automatic coffee machines, ice machines, cooking and baking appliances, steam generators or high-pressure cleaners, air conditioners or the like using treated water, comprising an agent (3) present in solid form for reducing mineral precipitates.It is characterized in that a first medium which influences the dissolution behavior of the agent for reducing mineral precipitates is provided.