Water Purifier Cleaning Kit Flow Path Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purifiers face challenges with contamination and oxidation/reduction reactions that lead to lime scale formation, blocking flow paths and valves, and requiring additional components and complex structures for sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning kit with a simple structure that includes a case for accommodating a cleaning agent and an escape preventing unit, allowing for easy installation and reuse without additional components inside the water purifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrode sterilization module is installed on the flow path to sterilize the water purifier, then sterilization function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional connection tubes and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning agent container is integrated directly with the flow path structure, merging the sterilization agent storage function with the water flow channel. This eliminates the need for separate connection tubes and connectors, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the sterilization function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the water flow channel and the cleaning agent container. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an electrode sterilization module with electrolyte supply unit and constant flow valve is used, then sterilization capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential sterilization function from the complex electrode sterilization module and implements it through a simpler chemical cleaning agent system. The cleaning agent container with flow path integration provides sterilization capability without requiring electrolyte supply units, constant flow valves, or electrode devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning agent container is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that can be filled with cleaning agent and discarded or refilled after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex electrode sterilization modules while providing effective sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If separate connection tubes and connectors are added to connect the electrode sterilization module, then sterilization function is achieved, but the volume and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning agent container is merged with the flow path structure, eliminating the need for separate connection tubes and connectors. This integration reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the sterilization function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cleaning kit effectively sterilizes and cleans the inside of the water purifier, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the structure, allowing for universal use without altering the existing water purifier design.

Implementation Method 1

a case configured to accommodate a cleaning agent therein... The cleaning kit effectively sterilizes and cleans the inside of the water purifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical cleaning/sterilization:

Data Source

PatentUS20250066178A1Cleaning flow path and water purifier assembly including same

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 COWAY CO LTD

AI summary

This cleaning flow path comprises: a case; and an escape prevention unit for preventing a cleaning agent accommodated in a dry state inside the case from escaping outside the case. The case includes: a body part that has an accommodation space for accommodating the cleaning agent therein; a water inlet passage that provides a flow path for water to flow into the accommodation space, is open toward the outside of the case, and can be installed into the water purifier by being connected to a first fastening hole in the water purifier connected to a raw water inlet port of a filter; and a water outlet passage that provides a flow path for the water accommodated in the accommodation space to flow out of the case, can be installed into the water purifier by being connected to a second fastening hole in the water purifier connected to a purified water outlet port of the filter, and is open in the same direction as the water inlet passage.