Water Purifier Sensing Module for Low-Cost Filter Replacement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers lack a cost-effective method to detect filter replacement without discarding a magnet embedded in the filter, leading to excessive production costs due to the need for a new magnet with each replacement.
Innovation Solution
A sensing module comprising a support, movable member, magnetic, and reed switch, which detects the magnetic's movement relative to the reed switch to determine filter replacement, configured as a single module independent of the filter, allowing reuse and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is provided in the filter to detect filter replacement, then the filter replacement can be detected, but the magnet is discarded together with the filter every time the filter is replaced, resulting in excessive production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into two separate components: a magnet provided in the filter and a reed switch provided in the installation housing. This segmentation allows the magnet to be discarded with the filter while the reed switch remains in the housing, eliminating the need to replace the magnet with each filter replacement and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reed switch as an intermediary component in the installation housing that detects the magnet's presence. The reed switch acts as a mediator between the magnet in the filter and the control system, enabling detection without requiring the magnet to be retained in the housing.
2Reliability
If a reed switch and magnet are used to detect filter replacement, then the filter replacement can be determined, but the magnet needs to be produced together with the filter every time, which results in excessive costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection components so that the magnet is provided only in the filter while the reed switch is provided in the installation housing. This segmentation allows the magnet to be discarded with the filter, eliminating the need to produce a new magnet with each filter replacement and significantly reducing production costs.
3Device complexity
If no separate sensor is provided for detecting the purification filter, then the device complexity is reduced, but it is difficult to determine whether the purification filter has been replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive detection system where the magnet in the filter automatically triggers the reed switch in the installation housing when the filter is installed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active sensors, power sources, or complex electronic systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable filter replacement detection.
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
Accurately detects filter replacement while preventing the magnetic from being discarded, thereby reducing production costs and enabling detection of both vertical and horizontal filter orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a reed switch supported on the support, wherein the reed switch detects the magnetic when the movable member moves to one side and the magnetic is positioned within a preset distance from the reed switch
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing module includes: a support; a movable member supported on the support to be movable relative to the support; a magnetic supported on the movable member to be movable together with the movable member; and a reed switch supported on the support. The reed switch detects the magnetic when the movable member moves to one side and the magnetic is positioned within a preset distance from the reed switch.