Water Discharge Module Sensing for Narrow Container Inlets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purifiers face challenges in accurately measuring the height of containers with narrow inlets, leading to splashing of purified water and hygiene issues due to contact between the container inlet and the water discharge module.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispenser with a vertically moving water discharge module and a distance measuring sensor that transmits and receives signals to accurately measure the container inlet height without a no-response duration, discharging water at a distance to prevent splashing and ensure hygiene, while protecting the sensor from foreign substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a contact sensor is disposed on the lower surface of the water discharge module to measure container height, then the height measurement can be achieved, but proper hygiene cannot be ensured due to contact with the container inlet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer height measurementVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact sensor with an optical sensor that measures container height without physical contact. The optical sensor emits light and detects the reflected light from the container inlet to determine height, eliminating hygiene contamination while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the container. The optical sensor uses light transmission and reflection to measure container height indirectly without direct contact, resolving the conflict between measurement and hygiene requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wide-angle ultrasonic sensor is used to measure container height, then the sensor can detect the container, but the height of the rim of a container having a thin inlet cannot be measured accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor detection rangeVSAvoidthin rim height measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a narrow-angle optical sensor specifically positioned to target the thin inlet region of the container. By concentrating the measurement beam on the specific local area of the thin rim, the system achieves precise height measurement where wide-angle sensors fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from ultrasonic wave intensity (which cannot distinguish thin rims) to optical reflection characteristics. The optical sensor detects subtle variations in light reflection from the thin inlet edge, enabling accurate height measurement of containers with thin rims

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the water discharge module moves to a point near the rim of the container to discharge water, then water can be dispensed into the container, but the purified water can splash from the container causing inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater discharge into containerVSAvoidwater splashing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary height measurement of the container inlet using the optical sensor before initiating water discharge. Based on the pre-measured height, the system calculates and adjusts the optimal discharge position and angle, ensuring water is dispensed accurately into the container without splashing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the optical sensor continuously monitors the container position and height. The controller adjusts the water discharge module's position and flow rate based on real-time feedback, preventing water splashing while maintaining effective water dispensing

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

The solution allows for precise measurement and discharge of purified water without splashing, maintaining hygiene and protecting the sensor, even for containers with narrow rims, by positioning the sensor to avoid contact with the water discharge module and utilizing a dead zone-based distance measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the wide angle ultrasonic sensor 17 includes a transmitter 171 and a receiver 172 on a printed circuit board 173, and ultrasonic waves received from the transmitter 171 are reflected by the container 1 and are received by the receiver 172, and based on the intensity of the received ultrasonic waves, a height of a container is measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12134552B2Liquid dispenser

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a water purifier or other liquid dispenser, a sensor configured to transmit and receive a distance measuring signal is installed in a water discharge module moving vertically or disposed at the front of a main body, to sense a height of the inlet of a container accurately without a no-response duration of the sensor. Additionally, in the water purifier, the water discharge module discharges purified water at a point spaced a certain distance apart from the inlet of the container, to prevent the inlet of the container from contacting the lower surface of the water discharge module.