Chemical Solution Feeder with Level-Controlled Outlet Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical solution feeders for systems like swimming pools lack efficient flow regulation and may not provide optimal dissolution and mixing of chemicals with liquids, leading to inconsistent solution supply.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with a hopper, nozzle, and solution basin that uses a liquid to dissolve chemicals, featuring a drain with an outlet valve that opens based on solution level, ensuring controlled flow and mixing, and includes a loop for recirculating pool water to maintain consistent solution levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stream of water is directed at tablets in a hopper to dissolve them, then chemical dissolution occurs, but flow regulation of the solution supply is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the dissolution process from the storage and delivery process. The hopper is divided into an upper dissolution chamber where tablets are dissolved by water spray, and a lower storage chamber where the resulting solution is collected. This segmentation allows independent optimization of dissolution efficiency and flow regulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution reservoir between the dissolution process and the final delivery system. The solution flows from the dissolution chamber through a drain into the solution basin, where it is regulated by a float-controlled valve before being delivered to the pool. This intermediary stage enables precise flow control without affecting the dissolution rate.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chemicals are dissolved by water contact in a hopper, then solution is formed, but solution level consistency is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a float valve mechanism that provides automatic feedback control of the solution level. When the solution level in the basin rises, the float rises and closes the outlet valve; when the level drops, the float descends and opens the valve. This simple feedback loop maintains consistent solution levels without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float-controlled valve system is self-regulating and requires no external control or monitoring. The solution level itself controls the valve operation through the float mechanism, creating a self-service system that automatically maintains level consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If tablets are dissolved by water stream contact, then chemical solution is created, but mixing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses water spray from nozzles to create turbulent flow and mechanical agitation that enhances dissolution and mixing. The kinetic energy of the water stream provides mechanical action that breaks up tablets and promotes rapid dissolution without requiring additional mixing mechanisms that would increase system complexity.
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 efficiently dissolves chemicals and regulates solution flow, maintaining consistent levels in the solution basin, preventing overflow and sediment buildup, and ensuring effective chemical distribution in swimming pool systems.
Implementation Method 1
a supply of the liquid to the nozzle to dissolve the chemical on contact with the liquid from the nozzle to form a solution
Implementation Method 2
an outlet from the solution basin having an outlet valve which opens when a solution level in the solution basin rises
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder is disclosed for dissolving a chemical and mixing it with a liquid. The feeder includes a hopper adapted to hold the chemical, a nozzle located in the hopper, and a supply of the liquid to the nozzle to dissolve the chemical on contact with the liquid from the nozzle to form a solution. A solution basin is disposed under the hopper and a drain is provided from the hopper into the solution basin. An outlet from the solution basin has an outlet valve which opens when a solution level in the solution basin rises.