Aspirating Chemical Dispenser for Multi-Appliance Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for liquid products to multiple appliances require multiple equipment and dispensers, increasing costs and complexity, particularly when using aspirated dispensing methods, as they face challenges in distributing and handling multiple chemicals effectively without impairing the aspirator's performance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single aspirating dispenser with a boost pump, distribution valve, and solenoid valves to direct and distribute liquid products to multiple appliances, ensuring efficient delivery and minimizing equipment costs by using a single dispenser for multiple appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dispensers are used to supply liquid products to multiple appliances, then each appliance can receive dedicated chemical delivery, but equipment costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single aspirating dispenser that can service multiple appliances through a distribution manifold system. The manifold distributes diluted chemical solutions to multiple endpoints, allowing one dispenser to perform the function of multiple dispensers while maintaining reliable chemical delivery to each appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple dispensing functions into a single integrated aspirating dispenser unit. By merging the aspirating mechanism, dilution chamber, and distribution capabilities into one device, the system reduces equipment count and complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver chemicals to multiple appliances
2Device complexity
If a single aspirating dispenser is used to supply multiple chemicals to multiple appliances, then equipment costs are reduced, but the aspirator's performance may be impaired by downstream distribution challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution function from the aspirating function by introducing a distribution manifold as a separate component. The manifold receives the diluted chemical solution from the aspirator and distributes it to multiple appliances through separate outlets, isolating the aspirator from downstream distribution variations that could affect its performance
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution manifold acts as an intermediary between the single aspirating dispenser and multiple appliances. It receives the chemical solution from the aspirator and distributes it to various endpoints, allowing the aspirator to maintain optimal performance while still serving multiple appliances effectively
3Device complexity
If manual measuring and mixing is used instead of computer-controlled dilution devices, then equipment costs are reduced, but measurement precision and control accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirating dispenser uses the flow of diluent through the aspirator to automatically draw in and mix with the concentrated chemical solution. This self-mixing mechanism eliminates the need for separate measuring and mixing devices, achieving both cost reduction and maintained precision through the physics-based aspirating process
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 effectively dispenses liquid products to multiple appliances using a single aspirating dispenser, reducing equipment costs and maintaining aspirator performance by ensuring consistent vacuum pressure and efficient distribution of chemicals, thereby optimizing the cleaning and sanitizing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a boost pump having a pump inlet for receiving a stream of liquid diluent at a source pressure and a pump outlet for delivering the stream of liquid diluent at an elevated pressure
Implementation Method 2
The flow of liquid diluent can be directed through an aspirator such that, as the diluent passes through the aspirator, a negative pressure arises inside the aspirator drawing the liquid concentrate into the aspirator to mix with the liquid diluent
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and system provides for dispensing liquid products to two or more appliances. Liquid diluent is communicated through an anti-siphon valve (64) connected in fluid communication to an aspirator (14). A mixed solution from the aspirator (14) is communicated to a distribution valve (36) for directing flow of a liquid product to two or more appliances using a single aspirating dispenser (12).