Water Purifier Integrated Flow Path and Sterilization Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers have complex structures with separate flow paths for different temperatures, leading to increased material costs, reduced space utilization, and poor workability, as well as inefficient cooling performance and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design that integrates hot water and purified water discharge through a single hot water flow path without a separate purified water flow path or valve, incorporating a sterilization water module for improved sterilization and space utilization, and a cold water module with a unique stirring mechanism for enhanced cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate flow paths are provided for hot water and purified water discharge, then temperature control and discharge functions are distinguished, but device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hot water flow path and purified water flow path into a single integrated flow path. The water supply flow path and water discharge flow path are commonly shared between hot water and purified water discharge functions, eliminating the need for separate flow paths while maintaining reliable temperature control through selective valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The common flow path is designed to serve multiple functions: it can discharge hot water when the hot water valve is opened, and discharge purified water when the purified water valve is opened. This universal flow path structure reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to distinguish and control different discharge functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate flow paths and valves are provided for hot water and purified water, then discharge functions are distinguished, but material costs and unit costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate flow paths into a common water supply flow path and water discharge flow path, significantly reducing the amount of piping materials required. This merging approach maintains the ability to provide distinct hot water and purified water discharge functions while substantially lowering material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The common flow paths are designed to be universal, serving both hot water discharge and purified water discharge functions through selective valve control. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant materials while preserving the versatility to distinguish between different discharge types.
3Reliability
If separate flow paths are configured for different water temperatures, then temperature distinction is maintained, but space utilization becomes disadvantageous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate flow paths into common water supply and discharge flow paths, dramatically reducing the space required for piping infrastructure. This integration maintains clear temperature distinction through valve-controlled flow selection while optimizing space utilization in the water purifier system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space conflict by transitioning from a spatial separation approach (separate physical flow paths) to a temporal/control-based separation approach (selective valve operation). This dimensional change allows temperature distinction to be maintained through control logic rather than physical separation, freeing up valuable space.
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
This design reduces material costs, increases space utilization, improves workability, maintains temperature conditions for discharged water, and enhances cooling performance by allowing hot water sterilization of the discharge nozzle and pipes, while ensuring efficient water flow and temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
allowing hot water sterilization of the discharge nozzle and pipes
Implementation Method 2
a cold water module with a unique stirring mechanism for enhanced cooling performance
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a body part generating purified water, hot water, and sterilization water. The body part includes: a filter purifying water, a hot water module that defines a heating flow path through which the purified water passing through the filter passes and that heats the purified water passing through the heating flow path into hot water, an intermediate flow path connecting the filter to the hot water module, a sterilization water flow path having a first side branched from the intermediate flow path and a second side connected to a water outlet, a sterilization water module installed in the sterilization water flow path and electrolyzing water passing through the sterilization water flow path into sterilization water, a hot water flow path guiding the hot water passing through the hot water module toward a water discharge nozzle, and a controller controlling the hot water and sterilization modules.