Water level detecting device and dehumidifier having the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dehumidifiers have a fixed water level setting for the condensate water container, making it inconvenient for users to manage larger water volumes, as the container must be emptied by bending or kneeling, and users cannot easily set a desired water level.

Innovation Solution

A water level detecting device with a guide and sensing object within the condensate water container, allowing the user to set two different water levels by adjusting the inserting direction of the sensing object, and a sensor in the dehumidifier body to detect the water level, enabling convenient operation and posture during mounting and dismounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed water level setting is used in the water container, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot easily set a desired water level and must bend or kneel to empty the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of water level settingVSAvoidcomplexity of water level detecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing object is designed to be movable within the guide, allowing it to change position based on water level. The guide enables the sensing object to move vertically along the inner wall of the water container, providing dynamic adaptability for different water level settings while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide serves multiple functions: it guides the sensing object's movement, provides structural support, and defines the sensing path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling adjustable water level detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single water level setting is used, then the device structure is simple, but users cannot manage larger water volumes conveniently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of water level settingVSAvoidcomplexity of sensing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing object can be positioned at different heights within the guide to detect different water levels. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to various water volume requirements without requiring multiple fixed sensors or a complex multi-level detection mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide is divided into multiple sections along its length, with the sensing object able to occupy different positions within these sections. This segmentation approach enables multiple water level settings while using a single continuous guide structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate sensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If the water container is designed for large capacity, then more condensate water can be collected, but the user experiences physical strain when handling the container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of condensate waterVSAvoidease of container handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor detects the water level in advance before the container becomes too heavy or difficult to handle. This allows the user to empty the container at a more convenient time and weight, reducing physical strain while still maintaining adequate condensate collection capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing object provides real-time feedback about the water level to the user through the sensor. This feedback mechanism enables users to monitor the condensate volume and empty the container proactively, preventing it from becoming excessively heavy and difficult to handle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 users to easily select and manage water levels, improving user convenience and reducing physical strain when handling larger condensate water volumes by allowing adjustable water levels and easier container handling.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing object inserted into an interior of the guide and configured to ascend on the condensate water collected in the water container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a sensor arranged in a main body of a dehumidifier which the water container is mounted to and dismounted from, and configured to sense a movement of the sensing object. The sensing object includes a magnet arranged in a closer distance to one side from a center of the sensing object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3189282B1Water level detecting device and dehumidifier having the same
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3189282B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189282B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3189282B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A water level detecting device and a dehumidifier including the same are provided. The water level detecting device comprises a guide arranged within a water container for collecting a condensate water generated as a dehumidifying function is performed, a sensing object inserted within the guide and configured to ascend on the condensate water collected in the water container, and a sensor arranged in a main body of a dehumidifier which the water container is mounted to and dismounted from, and configured to sense a movement of the sensing object. The water level of the water container is set to any of at least two different water levels according to an inserting direction of the sensing object inserted into the guide.