Water heater appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump water heaters rely on gravity to dispose of condensate, requiring users to install additional drainage systems when the appliance is installed below ground level, which is inconvenient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A drain pump assembly with a condensate collection tray and level sensor that automatically activates and deactivates the drain pump based on condensate levels, allowing for efficient discharge of condensate without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity-based condensate disposal is used, then the system structure is simple, but additional drainage systems are required when installed below ground level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drain pump, condensate collection tray, level sensor, and discharge mechanism into an integrated assembly that is self-contained within the water heater appliance. This merging of components eliminates the need for external drainage systems and allows the appliance to discharge condensate autonomously, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and drainage system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance equips itself with an automatic condensate disposal system that operates independently without requiring external drainage infrastructure. The level sensor automatically activates the pump when condensate reaches a certain level, and the system manages its own condensate discharge, making the appliance self-sufficient and eliminating the need for user-installed drainage systems.
2Extent of automation
If an automatic drain pump assembly is added, then condensate discharge becomes automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (condensate collection, level sensing, pumping, and discharge) into a single compact assembly that is self-contained within the appliance. This consolidation automates condensate discharge while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity by combining components rather than adding separate systems.
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 provides a user-friendly and efficient means to manage condensate discharge, eliminating the need for external drainage systems and simplifying installation, especially in installations below ground level.
Implementation Method 1
A drain pump including a pump inlet is in fluid communication with the condensate collection tray, the drain pump being configured for discharging condensate from the condensate collection tray through a condensate discharge line
Implementation Method 2
A condensate level sensor is configured for measuring a level of condensate within the condensate collection tray
Implementation Method 3
During operation of the vapor compression heat pump cycle, air flows across an evaporator and transfers energy to a refrigerant flowing through the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
As heat is absorbed from the air flowing over evaporator, condensation forms which must be collected and discharged
Data Source
AI summary
A drain pump assembly for discharging condensate from a water heater appliance is provided. The drain pump assembly includes a condensate collection tray positioned below an evaporator of the water heater appliance for collecting condensate. A condensate level sensor is configured for measuring a level of condensate within the condensate collection tray and is in operative communication with a drain pump. The drain pump is configured for discharging collected condensate from the condensate collection tray when the level of condensate exceeds a first threshold and turning off after the condensate level drops below a second threshold.