Atmospheric Water Dispenser Sanitization and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable atmospheric water generators face inefficiencies in producing potable water, noise control, and user engagement, with concerns over bacterial growth and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a portable atmospheric water generator that includes efficient water heating and cooling systems, bacteriostatic features, noise and energy control functionality, and user authentication and engagement mechanisms, such as social media integration and customizable settings, to ensure cleaner water production and user motivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration and recirculation systems are used to control bacterial growth, then water cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bacteriostatic function from complex mechanical filtration and recirculation systems, using UV-C LED irradiation instead. This removes the need for intricate filtration components while maintaining effective bacterial control through direct UV irradiation of the water in the reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration and recirculation systems with a light-based UV-C LED irradiation system. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts and filtration media while achieving the same bacteriostatic effect through electromagnetic radiation.
2Temperature
If heating and cooling systems are added for temperature control, then water temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic heating cycles rather than continuous heating, activating the heating element only when the water temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. This intermittent operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous heating systems while maintaining adequate temperature control for preventing bacterial growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a programmable microprocessor to dynamically adjust heating parameters based on actual water temperature measurements. By changing heating intensity and duration based on real-time temperature feedback, the system achieves efficient temperature control with minimal energy waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user authentication and social media integration are implemented, then user engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a microprocessor-based control system that handles multiple functions including user authentication, water generation control, temperature regulation, and social media integration through a single unified platform. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the microprocessor and communication interfaces as intermediaries between the user, the water generation system, and external social media platforms. These intermediaries manage the complexity of authentication and data synchronization while presenting a simple user interface and maintaining core water generation functionality.
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
The solution enhances water quality, reduces noise and energy consumption, and increases user engagement through personalized and interactive features, improving the overall efficiency and acceptance of portable atmospheric water generators.
Implementation Method 1
a dehumidification subsystem adapted to deposit water collected from the atmosphere into a reservoir
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating element (coil) that is configured to heat the water that is contained within the hot water tank
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator that is configured to cool the water that is contained within the cold water tank
Data Source
AI summary
Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.