Water purifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct type water purifiers face challenges in quickly supplying hot water at a user-desired temperature without a storage tank, leading to temperature deviations in the water dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design incorporating an induction heating module with a controller that manages the current to the working coil, allowing for precise temperature control of the hot water tank, ensuring the water dispensed reaches the target temperature by adjusting the current flow based on real-time temperature readings and user inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a direct type water purifier without water tank is used, then water saving and hygiene are improved, but the ability to quickly supply hot water at desired temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to a temperature higher than the target temperature before dispensing. The controller calculates the required heating amount based on the difference between target temperature and ambient temperature, and heats the water in advance through the induction heating module, enabling quick hot water supply without a storage tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating parameters (power, time, temperature) based on real-time temperature feedback from the temperature sensor. The controller modifies the heating power and duration to achieve the target temperature efficiently, allowing the direct type purifier to provide hot water quickly while saving space.
2Speed
If induction heating is used to generate hot water quickly, then heating speed is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the water temperature during heating. The controller receives real-time temperature feedback and dynamically adjusts the induction heating power to maintain accurate temperature control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables both fast heating and precise temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system transitions from static fixed-power heating to dynamic variable-power heating. The controller continuously adjusts the induction heating power based on real-time temperature differences between the current water temperature and target temperature, enabling precise temperature control while maintaining fast heating response.
3Productivity
If heating power is increased to reduce heating time, then productivity is improved, but temperature overshoot and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial heating action by controlling the induction heating to stop exactly when the target temperature is reached, rather than continuous excessive heating. The controller calculates the precise heating duration and power level needed to reach the target temperature, avoiding energy waste from overheating while maintaining fast hot water supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes heating parameters (power level, duration) based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller adjusts the heating power to match the instantaneous temperature difference, enabling efficient energy utilization that achieves both fast heating and prevents energy waste from temperature overshoot.
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 system ensures that the water dispensed is within a predetermined error range of the target temperature, minimizing temperature deviations and providing hot water at the desired temperature even without a storage tank.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating module provided with a working coil forming an electromagnetic induction according to a flow of a current
Implementation Method 2
a hot water tank heated by the electromagnetic induction formed on the working coil
Implementation Method 3
When current is supplied to a coil, eddy current is generated in the object to be heated
Implementation Method 4
Joule heat caused due to resistance of a metal increases temperature of the object to be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a water outlet discharging purified water therethrough, a first temperature sensor to sense temperature of the purified water, an induction heating module provided with a working coil forming magnetic field according to a current flow, and a hot water tank heated by the magnetic field and receiving the purified water to deliver to the water outlet, and a controller to control the current to flow on the working coil while the purified water is transferred to the water outlet through the hot water tank in response to a water discharge request, wherein the controller controls the current value flowing on the working coil, such that purified water lower than the target temperature is discharged until a predetermined time point from when the water discharge request is applied, and purified water higher than the target temperature is discharged after the predetermined time point.