Water Purifier Discharge Module with Automatic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water purifiers face limitations such as requiring manual adjustment of the water outlet position, potential damage during repeated use, water leakage, restricted installation due to fixed outlet positions, and inability to automatically adjust to container size or position.

Innovation Solution

A water purifier with a rotatable and elevatable water discharge module, equipped with a detection unit and control system that automatically adjusts the nozzle's position and height based on the container's size and position, preventing water splashing and ensuring secure coupling of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the water outlet part is separated and re-coupled to change position, then the water purifier can be installed in various spaces, but the coupling portion may be damaged due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling portion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water outlet part is made rotatable rather than requiring separation and re-coupling. The rotation mechanism allows the outlet to be adjusted to different positions while remaining firmly connected to the main body, eliminating repeated coupling/decoupling operations that cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The water outlet part serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to different positions for flexible installation, and it maintains a secure permanent connection to the main body. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between installation flexibility and coupling durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the water outlet part is repeatedly separated and coupled, then position adjustment is possible, but water leakage may occur due to damage to the water discharge tube or fitting parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidwater discharge system integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The water outlet part is designed to rotate dynamically while maintaining a secure connection to the main body. This rotation capability allows position adjustment without separating the water discharge tube from the fitting parts, preventing damage and water leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the water outlet part is fixed at a set position defined by a recessed groove, then the structure is simple, but the outlet cannot be disposed at any position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidoutlet position flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The water outlet part is made rotatable around the main body, transforming from a fixed position structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the outlet to be positioned at multiple locations while maintaining relatively simple overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the water outlet part is manually adjusted to match container position, then no automatic detection is needed, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The water purifier is equipped with a detection unit that automatically detects the container's position and orientation. The control unit then automatically adjusts the water outlet part's position and orientation to match the container, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and significantly improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit provides feedback information about the container's position and orientation to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the water outlet part, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3737635B1Water purifier and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3737635B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3737635B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3737635B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a water purifier. The water purifier includes a water purifier body provided with a filter, purifying raw water supplied from the outside, and supplying purified water, a water discharge module of which at least a portion is coupled to protrude to the front of the water purifier body so that at least a portion thereof rotates or is elevated with respect to the water purifier body and which is provided with a water discharge nozzle, which supplies the purified water supplied from the water purifier body to a user, in a lower end thereof, a driving unit providing power providing power required for the rotation and elevation of the water discharge module, a detection unit installed in the water purifier body or the water discharge module to recognize a position and size of a container placed around the water purifier body, and a control unit receiving position information and size information of the container from the detection unit to control the driving unit so that the water discharge nozzle moves above the container.