Adjustable Flow Manifold for Uniform Solid Product Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dissolving solid products into liquids, such as in detergent dispensers, face challenges in maintaining uniform concentration and erosion rates due to varying operating parameters like temperature and flow characteristics, leading to uncertainties in solution concentration and product replacement timing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a manifold diffuse member and adjustable cover that allows manual or automatic adjustment of liquid flow through multiple ports to maintain desired concentration and uniform erosion, accommodating changes in temperature and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spraying liquid onto solid product is used to dissolve it, then dissolution can be achieved, but the liquid temperature varies producing varying concentrations and non-uniform erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid flow is divided into multiple streams through a manifold with multiple nozzles, each delivering liquid to different areas of the solid product. This segmentation ensures uniform distribution of liquid across the product surface, achieving consistent erosion and concentration throughout the dissolution process
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable flow rates and temperatures that can be dynamically controlled to maintain optimal dissolution conditions. The manifold allows independent adjustment of liquid flow characteristics to compensate for temperature variations and ensure uniform concentration regardless of environmental changes
2Reliability
If turbulent pool or pool-like liquid source is used, then some concentration issues are combated, but changes in liquid characteristics still affect concentration and erosion rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor liquid temperature, flow rate, and resulting concentration. This feedback allows automatic adjustment of liquid flow parameters through the manifold to maintain desired concentration levels even when liquid characteristics change due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically change liquid flow parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature to compensate for changes in liquid characteristics. The manifold design allows independent control of multiple flow streams to adapt to varying conditions and maintain consistent dissolution performance
3Productivity
If spraying technique is used with additional space for nozzle spray pattern development, then dissolution can occur, but the dispenser size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold with multiple nozzles is integrated directly into the dispenser structure, with nozzles positioned in nested or compact arrangements that eliminate the need for large external spray development spaces. The liquid flow paths are optimized to achieve proper spray patterns within the compact dispenser volume
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold distributes liquid in multiple dimensions simultaneously through vertically and horizontally arranged nozzles, achieving comprehensive product coverage without requiring large horizontal spray development space. This multi-dimensional approach allows compact dispenser design while maintaining effective dissolution capability
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 consistent product concentration and uniform erosion of solid products, allowing for precise control of liquid flow to counteract temperature changes and other environmental factors, thereby optimizing the concentration and longevity of the product chemistry.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a liquid through a plurality of ports in a manifold diffuse member positioned adjacent the solid product
Implementation Method 2
Dissolution parameters of a solid product into a liquid solution change based on the operating parameters
Data Source
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.