Method and apparatus for variation of flow to erode solid chemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dissolving solid products into liquids, such as in detergent dispensers, face challenges in maintaining consistent concentration and uniform erosion due to varying operating parameters like temperature and flow characteristics, leading to uncertainties in solution concentration and replacement timing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a manifold diffuse member and adjustable cover that allows for manual or automatic adjustment of liquid flow through multiple ports to maintain desired concentration and uniform erosion, using known relationships between temperature, turbulence, and erosion rates to counteract changes in liquid characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If liquid is sprayed onto solid product to dissolve it, then dissolution occurs, but concentration varies due to temperature changes and erosion is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static dissolution to dynamic flow control. A pump circulates liquid through the solid product in a closed loop system, enabling continuous adjustment of flow rate, velocity, and turbulence to maintain consistent concentration and uniform erosion despite temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system actively changes flow parameters (rate, velocity, turbulence) in response to temperature changes. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system compensates for temperature-induced variations in dissolution rate, maintaining reliable and consistent concentration levels.
2Quantity of substance
If additional space is provided for nozzle spray pattern development and product collection, then dissolution can occur, but dispenser size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a closed-loop circulation design where liquid is pumped from the collection area back through the solid product. This nested circulation path eliminates the need for large external reservoirs and spray development spaces, maintaining dissolution capability while minimizing overall dispenser volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous circulation system ensures liquid constantly contacts the solid product, maintaining dissolution without requiring large static spaces for spray pattern development. The continuous flow maximizes dissolution efficiency within a compact footprint.
3Reliability
If turbulent pool or pool-like liquid source is used, then some concentration issues are addressed, but temperature and flow changes still affect concentration and erosion rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates flow sensors and temperature sensors that continuously monitor liquid characteristics. This feedback is used by the control system to dynamically adjust pump speed and flow rate, compensating for temperature and flow changes to maintain consistent concentration and erosion rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive turbulent pool mechanics with an actively controlled pumped circulation system. This allows precise electronic control of flow parameters rather than relying on natural turbulence, enabling the system to adapt to temperature and flow changes while maintaining reliable concentration control.
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 solution ensures consistent product concentration and uniform erosion of solid products, allowing for precise control of liquid flow to maintain desired chemistry and extend product life, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Dissolution parameters of a solid product into a liquid solution, such as a liquid detergent used for cleaning and sanitizing, change based on the operating parameters of and inputs to the dissolution process
Implementation Method 2
provide for a more uniform erosion of the product
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for obtaining a product chemistry from a product and a fluid is provided. A product is housed within a dispenser. A fluid is introduced through a manifold diffuse member having a plurality of ports. A cover is positioned adjacent the manifold diffuse member and includes a plurality of ports. The cover is able to be adjusted, for example, by rotating the cover, to align and un-align the manifold diffuse ports and the cover ports. This adjustment controls the flow characteristics of the fluid through the manifold diffuse member and cover to control the characteristics of the fluid in contact with the product. The adjustment of the cover to control the flow will provide a generally consistent concentration and erosion rate based upon known relationships between a characteristic of the fluid and the flow of the fluid in relation to the product.