On-Board Water Generation Diagnostics for UV Sanitization and Leak Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water generation systems in vehicles face issues such as the need for assurance of sanitization, unnecessary energy expenditure on water agitation, and inefficiencies due to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
The system includes sensors to detect ultraviolet light emission for sanitization assurance, acceleration/deceleration sensing to optimize water agitation based on vehicle movement, and a sensor to monitor water volume, triggering notifications for leaks and optimizing water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ultraviolet light emitter is used to sanitize water, then water sanitization is achieved, but user confidence and assurance are not guaranteed without active sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a sensor to detect whether the ultraviolet light emitter is actually emitting light and by providing this information back to the user through a human-machine interface. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that users have confidence in the sanitization process by receiving real-time confirmation that the sanitization device is functioning properly.
2Reliability
If water agitation function continuously operates, then water sanitization is maintained, but energy is unnecessarily expended when vehicle motion already agitates water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the water agitation function adaptive rather than static. The system continuously monitors vehicle motion parameters and dynamically adjusts the agitation operation accordingly. When vehicle motion provides sufficient agitation, the system reduces or suspends active agitation to save energy, while maintaining sanitization effectiveness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own motion to perform the agitation function that would otherwise require dedicated energy input. By sensing vehicle acceleration and deceleration, the system harnesses existing kinetic energy and motion to achieve water agitation, eliminating the need for continuous powered agitation.
3Productivity
If water generation system operates without leak monitoring, then system simplicity is maintained, but water efficiency and productivity are reduced due to undetected leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a sensor-based monitoring system that continuously tracks water volume in the storage container. When a leak is detected through abnormal volume changes, the system provides feedback to the user via notifications, enabling timely intervention to prevent further water loss and maintain generation efficiency.
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 system enhances user confidence in water sanitization, reduces energy consumption by optimizing water agitation, and alerts users to potential leaks, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the water generation system.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light emitter configured to emit ultraviolet light into the water storage container
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect the ultraviolet light that the ultraviolet light emitter has emitted
Implementation Method 3
monitoring with a sensor a volume of water being stored that the water generation system generates
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including: (a) a water generator configured to generate water; (b) a water storage container configured to store the water that the water generator generates; (c) an ultraviolet light emitter configured to emit ultraviolet light into the water storage container; (d) a sensor configured to detect the ultraviolet light that the ultraviolet light emitter has emitted; and (e) a human-machine interface configured to issue a notification to a user of the vehicle regarding the ultraviolet light emitter. The sensor can detect a wavelength range of the ultraviolet light that the ultraviolet light emitter has emitted. The sensor can detect an intensity of the ultraviolet light at a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range that the ultraviolet light emitter has emitted. The vehicle further comprises a controller in communication with the ultraviolet light emitter, the sensor, and the human-machine interface.