Water Outlet Nozzle Geometry for Splash-Free Hot Water Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers face issues with hot water splashing due to steam generation and vortex formation, leading to reduced usability and potential burns, and existing solutions complicate the flow path or reduce water flowability.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing unit with a first flow pipe for hot water and a second flow pipe for purified or cold water, featuring a steam buffer section and tapered nozzle sections to stabilize the hot water stream by delaying its dispensing and reducing vortex formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a bubble crushing member is added to remove bubbles from hot water, then bubble removal is improved, but the flow path becomes more complicated and water flowability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bubble crushing function from a separate mesh member and integrates it into the flow path geometry itself. The flow path is designed with specific curved sections and expansion chambers that naturally crush bubbles through geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional bubble crushing components while maintaining bubble removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the bubble crushing function with the flow path structure. The flow path includes integrated features such as curved sections and expansion chambers that perform both fluid transport and bubble crushing functions simultaneously, combining multiple functions into a single structural element rather than using separate components.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a mesh-shaped bubble crushing member is used, then bubbles are removed, but water flowability is reduced and residual water remains in the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mesh structure that causes flow resistance and extracts the bubble crushing function into the flow path geometry itself. This eliminates the obstruction to water flow while maintaining bubble removal capability through carefully designed curved sections and expansion chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the flow path, including curvature radius, section expansion ratios, and channel dimensions, to optimize both bubble crushing efficiency and water flowability. These parameter optimizations ensure smooth water flow while effectively removing bubbles without creating flow resistance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the upper body of steam separation device is used, then steam separation is improved, but the device occupies large volume and is difficult to apply to slim-design water purifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steam separation function into multiple smaller sections distributed along the flow path rather than using one large upper body structure. The flow path includes multiple expansion chambers and curved sections that perform steam separation functions distributed throughout, achieving effective steam separation with a compact overall structure suitable for slim-design water purifiers.
4Speed
If hot water is dispensed quickly without steam separation, then dispensing speed is maintained, but hot water splashes in all directions due to vaporization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating steam separation features into the flow path before the hot water reaches the outlet. The flow path includes expansion chambers and curved sections that pre-separate steam from hot water, allowing the hot water to be dispensed quickly without splashing due to vaporization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary flow path structure between the hot water source and the outlet. This intermediary section includes expansion chambers and curved sections that act as a mediator to separate steam from hot water, allowing rapid dispensing while preventing the harmful effect of water splashing caused by vaporization.
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 separates steam from hot water, stabilizes the water stream, and prevents splashing, enhancing usability and maintaining high flowability while preventing nozzle deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer section provided at an upper portion of the first flow pipe so that steam from the hot water stagnates in the buffer section
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle section extending from a lower end of the hot water pipe section and having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the hot water pipe section in a downward direction to delay dispensing of the hot water
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a water dispensing unit for a water purifier comprises: a first flow pipe providing a first dispensing passage for dispensing hot water; and a second flow pipe providing a second dispensing passage for dispensing purified water or cold water, wherein the first flow pipe includes: a hot water pipe section; and a nozzle section extending from a lower end of the hot water pipe section and having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the hot water pipe section in a downward direction to delay dispensing of the hot water.