Water Mixing Control for Stable Cold-Water Tank Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers fail to precisely control the temperature of cold water in the cold-water tank, leading to increased temperature and reduced supply due to the introduction of purified water regardless of temperature, resulting in inability to provide water at the desired temperature.
Innovation Solution
A water mixing device with a cold-water module, hot-water module, flow channel, valve unit, and controller that adjusts water flow based on temperature and level sensors to prevent excessive temperature rise by controlling the flow of water into the cold-water tank, ensuring precise temperature control and maintaining the desired water level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If purified water is introduced into the cold-water tank when the water level drops below the low water level sensor, then the cold-water tank is replenished, but the temperature of the cold water increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of cold water in the cold-water tank and provides feedback to the controller. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller prevents purified water from being introduced into the tank, thereby maintaining temperature control while still allowing replenishment when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The water level sensor is positioned dynamically relative to the temperature sensor - specifically, it is disposed at a position higher than a position where the lower end of the temperature sensor extends. This dynamic spatial arrangement ensures that water level detection occurs at an optimal height to prevent temperature mixing issues while still monitoring adequate water levels
2Measurement precision
If the water level sensor is positioned to detect water level accurately, then water replenishment is triggered timely, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific spatial relationship between the water level sensor and temperature sensor where the water level sensor is positioned higher than the lower end of the temperature sensor. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by ensuring both sensors operate in optimal zones - the water level sensor detects at an appropriate height while the temperature sensor measures water temperature without interference from incoming water streams
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 effectively prevents temperature increases in the cold-water tank by regulating water flow, allowing for precise temperature control of discharged water and reducing power consumption by optimizing valve operation and cooling usage.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler that cools the water accommodated in the cold-water tank
Implementation Method 2
a heater that heats the water accommodated in the hot-water tank
Implementation Method 3
the flow channel mixes water cooled by the cooler and water heated by the heater to provide discharge water
Implementation Method 4
a cold-water temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the water accommodated in the cold-water tank
Data Source
AI summary
A water mixing device includes: a cold-water module including a cold-water tank, a cooler cooling the water accommodated in the cold-water tank, and a cold-water temperature sensor; a hot-water module including a hot-water tank that accommodates water discharged from the cold-water tank, and a heater that heats the water accommodated in the hot-water tank; a flow channel connected to the cold-water tank and the hot-water tank; a valve unit including valve modules opened or closed to adjust a flow of water in the flow channel; and a controller configured to control the valve modules. The flow channel mixes water cooled by the cooler and water heated by the heater to provide discharge water. When the temperature of water detected by the cold-water temperature sensor is higher than a preset threshold temperature, the controller controls the valve modules to prevent water from flowing into the cold-water tank.