Water Purifier Washing Control Using Optical Bubble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water purifiers face issues with foreign materials and microorganisms accumulating in tubes and valves, leading to disrupted water flow and contamination over time, necessitating effective cleaning methods.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier system with integrated optical sensors to monitor bubble generation during electrolysis, controlling washing water generation and flow paths using a controller, and providing feedback through displays, speakers, and communicators to ensure proper cleaning and rinsing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing water is generated by electrolyzing raw water to clean internal components, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but reliability of the washing operation is worsened due to potential errors in bubble generation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an optical sensor detects bubble generation during electrolysis and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller compares the detected bubble amount against expected values and identifies errors when discrepancies occur, preventing contaminated water discharge by aborting ineffective washing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual inspection methods with an optical sensing system that uses light absorption or scattering properties to detect bubble generation. This substitution enables automated, precise detection of washing effectiveness without human intervention, improving reliability while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If optical sensors and control systems are added to monitor washing operations, then washing operation reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary component that bridges the physical washing process and the control system. The sensor converts physical bubble generation into electrical signals that the controller can process, enabling reliable monitoring without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in optical parameters (light absorption or scattering) that occur during bubble generation. By tracking these parameter changes, the system can determine washing effectiveness using simple optical measurements rather than complex mechanical or chemical analysis methods.
3Reliability
If washing water is generated through electrolysis to maintain water quality, then water quality is improved, but loss of energy is worsened due to continuous electrolysis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic washing operations rather than continuous electrolysis. The system generates washing water through electrolysis only when needed for cleaning cycles, then uses the generated washing water to flush and clean internal components. This periodic approach maintains water quality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary electrolysis to generate washing water in advance before it is needed for cleaning. By producing the cleaning agent beforehand and storing it for later use, the system avoids the need for continuous or on-demand electrolysis during actual washing operations, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining water quality.
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
Ensures effective cleaning and rinsing of internal components, minimizing the risk of contaminated water discharge by detecting and addressing errors in washing operations, thereby maintaining water quality.
Implementation Method 1
a washing water generator provided in the washing water path and configured to electrolyze the raw water flowing along the washing water flow path to generate washing water including a sterilizing material
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor provided at a discharging end of the washing water generator and configured to sense a degree of generation of bubbles included in the generated washing water
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes: a raw water flow path; a purified water flow path connected to the raw water flow path; at least one filter provided in the purified water flow path and to filter raw water flowing along the purified water flow path; a washing water flow path connected to the raw water flow path; a washing water generator configured to electrolyze the raw water to generate washing water; an optical sensor to output a value according to a degree of generation of bubbles included in the washing water; and a controller to control the washing water generator and at least one valve provided in at least one of the raw water flow path, the purified water flow path, and the washing water flow path to perform a washing operation, and identify whether an error has occurred in the washing operation based on an output from the optical sensor.