Water Dispenser Sterilization Control Using Real-Time Quality Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensing devices lack the ability to accurately measure water quality in real time and respond to contamination levels, leading to potential contamination of pipes and water outlets, and do not effectively manage water purification quality based on the actual usage environment and user patterns.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing device with a water quality measurement unit that includes turbidity and microbial sensors, a control unit, and sterilization modules to adjust operations based on measured contamination levels, featuring UV sterilization at the outlet and high-temperature sterilization of internal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a water dispensing device operates for a long time without replacement, then productivity is improved, but water quality deteriorates due to microorganism propagation and contamination in pipes and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization actions by circulating hot water through the water supply path before contamination becomes severe. The control unit activates the hot water supply to flow through the path, preventing microorganism propagation and maintaining water quality during extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The water quality sensor continuously monitors the water quality in the storage tank and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines when to initiate hot water circulation for sterilization, creating a closed-loop system that maintains water quality dynamically throughout continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If UV sterilization is operated according to a predetermined operation cycle, then water outlet port sterilization is improved, but it does not reflect the actual contamination level of the usage environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses water quality sensor feedback to dynamically control UV sterilization operation. Instead of fixed periodic cycles, the control unit activates the UV sterilization module based on actual water quality measurements, ensuring sterilization occurs when contamination is detected while maintaining ease of automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization operation transitions from static predetermined cycles to dynamic operation based on real-time water quality conditions. The control unit adjusts UV sterilization activation and duration according to measured contamination levels, making the system adaptable to varying usage environments and actual contamination states.
3Measurement precision
If a water quality measurement unit is added to measure purified water quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water quality measurement unit serves multiple functions: it monitors purified water quality in the storage tank, detects contamination levels to trigger sterilization operations, and provides data for determining when filter replacement is needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive water quality management.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement unit enables the system to self-monitor and self-regulate water quality. The control unit automatically responds to sensor readings by initiating hot water circulation or UV sterilization without user intervention, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining water quality and reducing the need for manual monitoring.
4Reliability
If hot water circulation is performed to sterilize the water supply path, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses water quality sensor feedback to determine when hot water circulation is necessary. Instead of continuous operation, the system activates hot water supply only when contamination is detected or at scheduled intervals, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective sterilization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs hot water circulation sterilization periodically rather than continuously. The control unit schedules hot water supply operations at predetermined intervals or when water quality deteriorates, balancing sterilization effectiveness with energy conservation by limiting hot water circulation to necessary moments.
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
Enables real-time management of purified water quality, automatic detection of abnormalities, and hygienic management of water paths and outlets, improving sensing accuracy and efficiency by minimizing contamination and ensuring safe water supply.
Implementation Method 1
a water quality measurement unit that is connected to the purified-water path and measures the water quality of the purified water
Implementation Method 2
a sterilization module that is provided on the sterilization path and heats the water passing through the sterilization path
Implementation Method 3
a water outlet sterilization module that emits ultraviolet rays at the water outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispensing device according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes: a water supply path through which raw water supplied from a water supply source flows; a filter that generates purified water by filtering the raw water supplied via the water supply path; a purified-water path through which the purified water that has passed through the filter flows; a water quality measurement unit that is connected to the purified-water path and measures the water quality of the purified water; a sterilization path, one side of which branches from the water supply path and the other side of which is connected to the filter; a sterilization module that is provided on the sterilization path and heats the water passing through the sterilization path; a water outlet port through which the purified water is discharged; a water outlet path that guides the purified water to the water outlet port; and a water outlet sterilization module that emits ultraviolet rays at the water outlet port.