Color-Coded Dilution Dispensing for Multi-Rate Cleaning Concentrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning composition dispensing systems are inefficient due to non-adjustable flow rates and lack of clear indication for dilution ratios, leading to wasteful use and inadequate cleaning, as they often require manual adjustment and lack visual or olfactory cues for proper dilution selection.
Innovation Solution
A system that mixes concentrated cleaning compositions with water to create multiple dilution ratios, adds dyes and scents to visually and olfactorily indicate the dilution ratio, and uses metering devices with identification markings to select and dispense the correct dilution ratio and flow rate, allowing for easy identification and precise dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If concentrated cleaning products are diluted manually without visual indicators, then storage and transportation costs are reduced, but it becomes difficult to identify the correct dilution ratio, leading to wasteful use or inadequate cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to dilution containers where each container is colored to correspond to a specific dilution ratio (e.g., light duty, medium duty, heavy duty). This visual indicator system allows users to easily identify the correct dilution ratio without manual calculation or complex instructions, thereby preventing both wasteful use and inadequate cleaning while maintaining simple manual dilution operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color-coded labels and visual indicators as an intermediary between the concentrated cleaning product and the user. These indicators serve as a communication bridge that translates complex dilution ratios into simple, intuitive visual cues, enabling users to select the appropriate dilution level without needing to understand concentration percentages or perform calculations
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flow rate dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different cleaning needs requiring various dilution ratios and flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing system into multiple metering devices, with each device dedicated to a specific dilution ratio and flow rate combination. This segmentation allows the system to handle different cleaning needs (light duty, medium duty, heavy duty) through specialized components rather than a single complex adjustable device, making the system both versatile and relatively simple to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal dispensing system where multiple metering devices work together to provide a range of dilution ratios and flow rates. Each metering device is designed to handle specific combinations of concentrate and water flow, and the system as a whole can adapt to various cleaning applications by selecting the appropriate metering device, achieving multi-functionality without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms in each individual device
3Productivity
If multiple dilution ratios are provided without clear identification, then cleaning versatility is improved, but users cannot quickly select the appropriate dilution, increasing operation time and potential for error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded identification on dilution containers and metering devices to encode dilution ratio information visually. Each color corresponds to a specific dilution ratio and cleaning application type, allowing users to quickly identify and select the appropriate dilution without reading text labels or performing calculations, thereby increasing selection speed and preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces text-based or numerical identification systems with a visual color-coding system. This substitution transforms abstract dilution ratio information into immediate visual cues that can be processed instinctively, eliminating the need for users to read, interpret, or calculate dilution ratios, thus significantly reducing operation time and preventing selection errors
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
Enables precise and efficient dispensing of cleaning solutions by providing visual and olfactory cues for dilution ratios, reducing waste and ensuring adequate cleaning strength, while allowing for easy operation and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of dyes are added to the diluted concentrate, with each color of dye correlating to a unique diluted concentrate. This provides a visual indication of the product at the dilution ratio of the diluted concentrate.
Implementation Method 2
up to 4 scents alone for identification; provides a visual and or olfactoral indication of the product at the dilution ratio
Implementation Method 3
multiple metering devices having identification markings that enable facilitated identification and selection of a desired dilution ratio and flow rate
Implementation Method 4
mixes a concentrated cleaning composition with different quantities of water to produce a plurality of diluted concentrates
Implementation Method 5
A plurality of lines carry concentrate to a plurality of metering devices that selectively dilute the finished strength
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for distributing color-coded dilution ratios of cleaning concentrates at different dilution ratios and flow rates. The system mixes a concentrated cleaning composition with different quantities of water to produce diluted concentrates. A plurality of separate dyes or scented dyes are added to the diluted concentrates, with each color of dye correlating to a unique diluted concentrate. This provides a visual indication of the dilution ratio of the diluted concentrate. A plurality of metering devices selectively dispense the dyed diluted concentrates at different dilution ratios and at multiple flow rates. The metering devices are labeled with identification markings, indicating dilution ratios and flow rates. The dilution ratio and the flow rate are selected based on the type of cleaning that is required, and the type of dispensing means used for cleaning. A plurality of lines carry the concentrated cleaning composition, water, dyes, and dyed diluted concentrate.