Water dispenser and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensers face issues with maintaining a uniform flow rate of hot water, leading to temperature fluctuations and potential safety hazards due to overheating or boiling, especially when the flow rate is reduced.
Innovation Solution
A water dispenser with an integrated flow sensor and control valve system that adjusts the flow rate and induction heating output based on real-time flow rate and temperature measurements to maintain a predetermined temperature, using an induction heating assembly and a controller to regulate the heating coil's output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the flow rate of hot water is reduced, then energy consumption is decreased, but water temperature increases causing overheating and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the flow rate through the flow sensor and adjusts the heater output accordingly. When flow rate decreases, the controller reduces heater power to prevent overheating, creating a closed-loop feedback system that dynamically balances energy consumption with temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heater output parameter based on flow rate conditions. The control unit adjusts heating power dynamically - reducing it when flow rate is low and maintaining or increasing it when flow rate is adequate, thereby adapting the thermal processing parameter to current operating conditions
2Temperature
If the heater output is increased to maintain temperature, then water temperature is maintained, but risk of overheating and safety accidents increases when flow rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor provides real-time feedback on water flow conditions to the control unit, which then adjusts heater output accordingly. This prevents the heater from operating at high power when flow rate is insufficient, eliminating the overheating risk while maintaining temperature when flow is adequate
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit proactively reduces heater output when it detects low flow rate conditions, preventing overheating before it occurs. This preliminary protective action stops the harmful effect from developing in the first place
3Manufacturing precision
If a flow sensor and control valve system is added to regulate flow rate, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the heater output, monitors flow rate through the flow sensor, and adjusts heating power based on flow conditions. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated control devices, thereby improving temperature control precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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
Ensures consistent dispensing of hot water at a predetermined temperature, preventing overheating and safety issues by dynamically adjusting the heating output in response to changes in flow rate and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating assembly (40) that heats water supplied into a hot water tank (41)
Implementation Method 2
a flow sensor (211) that senses a flow rate of water supplied into the hot water tank (41)
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispenser and a method of controlling a water dispenser are provided. The water dispenser may control power output of an induction heater having a hot water module based on changes in flow rate of water supplied or a temperature of water discharged.