Water Purifier Integrated Waterway Module Replacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water purifiers require complete disassembly for replacing integrated waterway modules, leading to increased time and cost for maintenance and replacement, and are prone to water leaks due to the separation of components under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A water purifier design where the integrated waterway part can be smoothly withdrawn and replaced without disassembling the entire unit, featuring a case with a hinged door that restricts the waterway part's movement and includes a handle for easy removal, preventing water leaks by coupling the waterway part to the valve within the case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control valve is directly secured to the waterway module by a securing member, then the connection between valve and waterway module is strong and reliable, but the time and cost required for replacement and maintenance work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water purifier is divided into separable modules: the case assembly (containing the valve) and the integrated waterway module. This segmentation allows the waterway module to be replaced independently without removing the valve, reducing maintenance time while maintaining connection reliability through dedicated coupling interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated waterway module is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the case assembly. The coupling protrusion and coupling groove enable the waterway module to be detached and reattached without affecting the valve, allowing quick maintenance while preserving the original secure connection design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the integrated waterway part is simply fitted to the case, then the assembly process is simple, but water leaks occur due to separation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling protrusion and coupling groove are merged into an integrated coupling mechanism that combines mechanical attachment with sealing function. This unified design maintains assembly simplicity while preventing water leaks through the interlocking structure that resists separation under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling groove acts as an intermediary structure between the case and waterway module, providing both mechanical retention and sealing. This intermediate element enables simple assembly while ensuring reliable water-tight connection under operating pressure.
3Ease of operation
If the entire water purifier is disassembled for replacing the waterway module, then complete access is achieved, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a case assembly and an integrated waterway module with defined separation interfaces. This segmentation provides sufficient access to the waterway module through the coupling interfaces without requiring complete disassembly of the water purifier, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated waterway module is extracted as a standalone replaceable unit through its coupling interfaces with the case assembly. This extraction capability allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the waterway module quickly without dismantling the entire water purifier system.
4Device complexity
If no auxiliary handle structure is provided, then the structure remains simple, but the waterway module cannot be easily removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated waterway module incorporates its own handle structure that enables users to directly grasp and remove the module without requiring additional external tools or mechanisms. This self-service design maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving removal ease for maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A water purifier includes a valve comprising a plurality of valves configured to control a direction of water flow; an integrated water way part in which the valve is inserted along one predetermined direction and a plurality of water ways connected with the valves are provided; and a case covering the valve and the integrated water way part, in a state where the valve and the integrated water way are coupled to each other, the case having one side that is open and closed to expose the integrated water way outside.