Alkaline Water Dispensing With pH Feedback and Intake Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensing systems lack the capability to consistently provide stable pH alkaline water and effectively track water consumption.
Innovation Solution
The invention incorporates a bioceramic material-based mineral infuser system with TDS and pH sensors, a recirculation valve, and a dispenser that adjusts water quality based on preset parameters, along with network communication for tracking water intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is dispensed without quality monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pH stability and water quality assurance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using pH sensors and TDS sensors to continuously monitor water quality parameters, comparing them against preset target ranges, and automatically adjusting the mineral infuser system to maintain stable pH levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable pH stability while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual water quality testing and adjustment with automated electronic sensing and control systems. pH sensors, TDS sensors, and microcontrollers substitute for manual mechanical adjustment methods, providing continuous automated monitoring and adjustment of water quality parameters without requiring user intervention.
2Loss of information
If water consumption tracking is implemented, then the information value increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the microcontroller simultaneously manages pH monitoring, TDS monitoring, water consumption tracking, and user interface control. The display unit serves both as an information display and as a user input interface. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating components rather than adding separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks and records water consumption data without requiring user input or intervention. The microcontroller continuously monitors dispensing volume and stores consumption information in memory, providing self-service data collection that eliminates the need for separate manual tracking mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If mineral infuser system with recirculation is used, then the pH control precision improves, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculation system that pre-treats water by passing it through the mineral infuser multiple times before dispensing. The pump circulates water through the mineral infuser chamber, allowing minerals to be infused and pH to be adjusted to target levels before the water is dispensed. This preliminary action ensures precise pH control is achieved in advance, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments during dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump operates periodically rather than continuously, circulating water through the mineral infuser at set intervals to achieve desired pH levels. This periodic operation maintains precise pH control while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous recirculation, and simplifies the control system by using time-based operation rather than complex feedback control.
4Reliability
If recirculation valve is added for quality control, then the pH stability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation valve operates periodically based on pH sensor readings and preset targets, opening only when adjustment is needed rather than remaining continuously open. This periodic operation maintains pH stability by recirculating water through the mineral infuser at appropriate intervals while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the valve closed during periods when pH is already within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation valve is controlled by feedback from pH sensors that monitor water quality in real-time. When pH deviates from the target range, the feedback signal triggers the recirculation valve to open and restore proper pH levels. This feedback-controlled operation ensures pH stability is maintained only when necessary, reducing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous recirculation.
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 stable pH alkaline water dispensing and provides accurate tracking of water consumption, enhancing user control and quality assurance.
Implementation Method 1
a bioceramic material-based mineral infuser system
Implementation Method 2
at least one total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor configured to determine TDS
Implementation Method 3
at least one pH sensor configured to determine pH
Implementation Method 4
at least one valve configured to recirculate water exiting the mineral infuser system back into the mineral infuser system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a station for dispensing water, specifically alkaline water having a stable pH of between about 8 and about 10. Additionally, the station includes at least one radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip sensor, configured to detect a unique RFID chip in, for example, a bottle of water and automatically update a user profile associated with the unique RFID chip to indicate an amount of water consumed.