Water Purifier UV Nozzle Sterilization and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water purifiers face challenges in ensuring the sterilization of the water discharge nozzle, as bacteria can accumulate and reproduce due to inadequate cleaning, and users lack visibility into the sterilization process and water levels, while ultraviolet (UV) exposure poses safety risks and reduces user confidence.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design featuring a UV lamp within the water discharge module, protected by a quartz window to prevent water splashing and ensure 100% UV transmission, along with a light source for visual confirmation of sterilization and water levels, and a child-safe button layout to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV lamp is mounted in the water discharge nozzle for sterilization, then the sterilization function is improved, but UV rays are exposed to the outside threatening user safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary component between the UV lamp and the external environment. This window allows UV rays to pass through for sterilization purposes while simultaneously blocking UV rays from reaching users, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterilization effectiveness and ensuring user safety
Solution Approach 2:
The water discharge nozzle is segmented into multiple functional zones: an internal sterilization zone where UV lamps are positioned to irradiate the interior surfaces, and an external user interface zone separated by a transparent window. This segmentation allows the sterilization function to operate independently without exposing users to harmful UV radiation
2Reliability
If a UV lamp is mounted in the water discharge nozzle, then sterilization is achieved, but users cannot recognize whether sterilization is proceeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing indicators or lighting elements that change color or illuminate to indicate the sterilization status. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to recognize whether sterilization is proceeding without compromising the sterilization effectiveness, thus resolving the information asymmetry between the system and the user
3Ease of operation
If the water discharge nozzle is always exposed to air and contains water, then water dispensing function is maintained, but bacteria reproduce on the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary sterilization action by positioning UV lamps within the water discharge nozzle to continuously or periodically irradiate the interior surfaces. This preliminary disinfection prevents bacterial reproduction before water flows through the nozzle, maintaining both the water dispensing function and hygiene without requiring user intervention for cleaning
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 continuous sterilization of the water discharge nozzle, provides user confirmation of UV sterilization, prevents UV exposure hazards, and enhances safety by allowing intuitive verification of sterilization coverage and water levels, while maintaining a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) lamp disposed above the water discharge nozzle in the case to emit ultraviolet rays to an inner surface of the water discharge nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a protection window made of a light transmission material and disposed below the UV lamp to protect the UV lamp against water... the ultraviolet rays emitted from the UV lamp are transmitted to the water discharge nozzle near 100% without loss
Implementation Method 3
at least one light source that irradiates light to the inside or outside of the water discharge nozzle according to turn-on/off of the UV lamp
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water purifier. The water purifier includes a water purifier body including a housing defining an outer appearance and a filter provided in the housing to filter raw water introduced from the outside, a water discharge module including a water discharge nozzle that protrudes forward from the water purifier body to supply the water passing through the filter to the outside of the water purifier body, and a tray disposed below the water discharge nozzle. The water discharge module includes a case having a lower end through which the water discharge nozzle is exposed, an ultraviolet (UV) lamp disposed above the water discharge nozzle in the case to emit ultraviolet rays to an inner surface of the water discharge nozzle, a protection window made of a light transmission material and disposed below the UV lamp to protect the UV lamp against water, and at least one light source that irradiates light to the inside or outside of the water discharge nozzle according to turn-on/off of the UV lamp.