Drinking Water Dispenser With Chilled-Water Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drinking water distributors are susceptible to bacterial proliferation due to factors like low use, high temperature, and the presence of activated carbon filters, which lack biocidal agents, leading to biofilm formation and potential health risks.

Innovation Solution

A system with a second dispensing solenoid valve and a recirculation solenoid valve that reintroduces chilled or carbonated water into the hydraulic circuit, maintaining a bacteriostatic condition and reducing staticity, combined with sanitization means like activated carbon filters and germicidal lamps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If activated carbon filters are installed to remove chlorine and refine water, then water quality and taste are improved, but bacterial proliferation increases due to lack of biocidal agents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater qualityVSAvoidbacterial proliferation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically changes the temperature parameter of the water in the hydraulic circuit by introducing chilled water, creating unfavorable conditions for bacterial growth without compromising the water refinement function of the activated carbon filter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic introduction of chilled water at predetermined time intervals to maintain low temperature in the hydraulic circuit, preventing bacterial proliferation while preserving the water quality improvement function of the filter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the distributor is rarely used to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but bacterial proliferation increases due to water staticity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidbacterial proliferation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cooling of the water in the hydraulic circuit during periods of non-use, creating a bacteriostatic environment in advance that prevents bacterial proliferation during extended idle periods without requiring continuous energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chilled water system serves a dual function: it cools water for dispensing and simultaneously prevents bacterial proliferation in the hydraulic circuit during non-use periods, making the system self-sufficient in addressing both cooling and sanitation needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If recirculation of chilled water is implemented to prevent bacterial growth, then bacterial proliferation is inhibited, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacterial proliferationVSAvoidhydraulic circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic circuit is designed so that the same chilled water lines and solenoid valves serve multiple functions: dispensing chilled water to consumers and simultaneously recirculating chilled water through the hydraulic circuit to prevent bacterial proliferation, eliminating the need for separate sanitation system components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation by maintaining low temperatures and sanitizing the hydraulic circuit, even during non-use periods, ensuring safe water distribution.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigeration unit (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

a water inlet solenoid valve (2) in the circuit... a first dispensing solenoid valve (6)... a second dispensing solenoid valve (8)... a first recirculation solenoid valve (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

a pump (4) connected downstream of said inlet solenoid valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 4

activated carbon filters are typically installed... with the purpose of refining the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250304422A1Drinking water dispenser

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 ONN WATER SRL

AI summary

Drinking water distributor device provided with a hydraulic circuit comprising a water inlet solenoid valve in said circuit, a pump connected downstream of said inlet solenoid valve, a first dispensing solenoid valve connected downstream of said pump and a second dispensing solenoid valve, a refrigeration unit, a collector and a dispensing nozzle connected downstream of said collector, said first and second dispensing solenoid valves each having a first outlet in connection with said nozzle through said collector, said first dispensing solenoid valve being provided with a second outlet in connection with the inlet of said second dispensing solenoid valve through the refrigeration unit, such that said first and second dispensing solenoid valves are configured to provide the dispensing of water at room temperature and of chilled water respectively. The second dispensing solenoid valve is provided with a second outlet, a first recirculation solenoid valve.