Aerosol Dispenser Control System with Dynamic Cycle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated aerosol dispensing systems fail to account for pressure differences in aerosol cans as they empty, leading to inconsistent chemical delivery, either wasting product or delivering too little when the can is near empty.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol dispenser control system that adjusts dispensing time based on the number of spray cycles and remaining volume of the aerosol container, using a controller with memory to set varying dispensing times, and includes a holder with contact switches to track can installation and usage, ensuring consistent volume delivery throughout the can's contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed spray cycle time is used for aerosol dispensing, then the system is simple to operate, but the chemical delivery becomes inconsistent as the can empties
Solution Approach 1:
The spray cycle time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller automatically adjusts the dispensing time based on the number of spray cycles performed, extending the cycle length as the can empties to maintain consistent chemical delivery volume throughout the can's contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by tracking the number of spray cycles and using this information to adjust future dispensing parameters. The controller monitors usage and modifies the spray cycle time accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains delivery consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spray cycle is extended to ensure adequate delivery when the can is near empty, then chemical delivery consistency is improved, but chemical waste increases when the can is newly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The spray cycle time dynamically adapts based on can contents. Initially, when the can is full, the cycle time is shorter. As the can empties and pressure decreases, the cycle time automatically extends to compensate, preventing both waste and under-delivery at different usage stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the dispensing parameter (cycle time) based on the state of the can. By monitoring the number of spray cycles and adjusting the time parameter accordingly, the system optimizes chemical delivery efficiency throughout the can's lifecycle.
3Loss of substance
If the spray cycle is shortened to prevent waste when the can is newly installed, then chemical waste is reduced, but inadequate delivery occurs when the can is near empty
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a uniformly short cycle time, the system employs a dynamic cycle time that starts short when the can is full and progressively lengthens as the can empties. This ensures adequate delivery at all stages without unnecessary waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from cycle counting to determine the appropriate spray duration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically extend the cycle time when needed (as the can empties) while maintaining shorter cycles when appropriate (when the can is full).
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are automated aerosol dispensers for delivering chemicals (e.g. cleaners, fragrances, insect control agents) from the dispenser to selected locations (e.g. the air; a toilet bowl; a shower enclosure). There is an actuator (e.g. a push button or a foot pedal) for initiating dispensing, and a holder for an aerosol container. The aerosol container stores the chemical before use. There is a switch associated with the holder that recognizes when the aerosol container has been mounted to the holder, and when thereafter that aerosol container has been dismounted from the holder. A controller controls dispensing of the chemical from the aerosol container in response to actuation. The controller has a timer that determines the amount of time that chemical is to be delivered from the aerosol container upon the dispenser being actuated by the actuator. A database is provided for assisting the controller in varying the time that the timer permits dispensing in response to activation. The system thus can correct for pressure drop off in the can as the can nears empty.