Integrated Water Supply System with Carbonation and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems for kitchens are often isolated and inflexible, lacking the ability to efficiently dispense a variety of water-based liquids, such as hot and cold beverages, carbonated or non-carbonated, while maintaining quality and preventing contamination.
Innovation Solution
A water-based liquid supply system that integrates a faucet with multiple liquid flow capabilities, a carbonation machine using high-pressure CO2 injection, and a control system for managing indoor and outdoor connectivity, allowing for the flexible preparation and dispensing of various water-based liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a water supply system integrates multiple functions (hot water, chilled water, carbonation, sterilization, enrichment) into a single unit, then the system's versatility and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple water treatment and dispensing functions (hot water dispenser, chiller, carbonated water dispenser, sterilizer, enrichment system) into a single integrated water supply system with a common control unit, thereby achieving versatility while managing complexity through unified architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to universally manage all subsystems (heating, cooling, carbonation, sterilization, enrichment) through a single interface, allowing one component to perform multiple control functions across different liquid preparation modes
2Productivity
If the system provides instant hot and chilled water along with carbonation capabilities, then the productivity and user convenience are improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-prepares hot and chilled water in separate tanks and pre-establishes carbonation infrastructure (CO2 tank, carbonation chamber) so that when a user requests a specific liquid type, the system can immediately dispense it without delay, achieving instant service through advance preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides water storage and treatment into separate functional modules (hot water tank, chilled water tank, carbonation system, sterilization unit) that operate independently but are coordinated by a central control unit, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency
3Reliability
If the system includes water sterilization and enrichment features, then the liquid quality and safety are improved, but the device complexity and operational parameters increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UV sterilization system operates continuously or periodically to maintain constant water quality safety, while the enrichment system continuously monitors and adjusts mineral content, ensuring uninterrupted protection and enhancement of water quality throughout system operation
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 system enables efficient and flexible dispensing of a wide range of water-based liquids, ensuring quality and preventing contamination, while allowing for expansion and integration with smart appliances and internet connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a carbonation machine (soda machine)
Implementation Method 2
carbonation machine using high-pressure CO2 injection
Implementation Method 3
a boiler for supplying hot and/or boiling water
Implementation Method 4
a liquid level sensor (for the soda machine)
Implementation Method 5
a water sterilizing unit, e.g. if the water hasn't drinking water quality
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4C
AI summary
Kitchen appliances usually include devices such as a water system, a cooker, a kitchen hood (range hood), an oven, a refrigerator, a microwave, a dishwasher and other devices. The devices are mostly operated independent from each other. Unlike those devices the "drinkable tap water-based liquid supply system" according to the present invention comprises a few devices controlled by an advanced control system according to the invention for providing connectivity and system management. The system is designed to provide comfort, convenience and energy saving. The water-based liquid supply system according to the present invention provides a variety of water-based liquids, dispatched with the desired properties from a countertop faucet.