Condensate Drain Dispenser Using Liquid and Air Pump Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for treating air conditioner condensation drainage lines are cumbersome, requiring installation in the attic, posing safety hazards and accessibility issues, especially for heavy materials and fluids, and are inefficient in delivering treatment fluids due to gravity flow limitations.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser apparatus with a liquid pump and air pump, controlled by an electronic device, allows for the delivery of treatment fluid and air to the drainage lines from a location at any elevation, enabling efficient and safe treatment without the need for manual carrying of heavy items, with the option to install at ground level or in any room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the treatment system is installed in the attic to allow gravity flow of treatment fluid, then the system can be low cost and limit fluid amount, but the system becomes difficult to reach and operate, especially when carrying heavy items
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the treatment fluid storage and dispensing function from the location constraint. The dispenser can be installed in any location (ground floor, attic, or intermediate floor) while the treatment fluid is delivered through a portable container and delivery line system, allowing the operator to work from a safe, accessible location rather than being confined to the attic.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery line acts as an intermediary between the treatment fluid container and the condensate drainage line. This allows the treatment fluid to be dispensed from a location distant from the attic while still reaching the drainage line inlet, eliminating the need for the operator to be physically present in the attic during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the treatment system requires installation in the attic, then gravity flow can be utilized, but safety hazards increase due to hot temperatures, inadequate flooring, and exposed nails
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing the treatment system in the attic and having the operator work from there, the system is inverted so that the operator works from a safe, accessible location on a lower floor while the treatment fluid is delivered through the delivery line to the attic location. The control device and operator remain on the ground floor, eliminating exposure to attic hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portable container that can be filled and operated from a safe location, copying the essential function of a permanently installed attic system without requiring permanent installation in the hazardous attic environment. The delivery line transmits the treatment function to the remote location.
3Device complexity
If manual carrying of heavy treatment fluid containers is required, then the system can be simple and low cost, but the operational complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static gravity-dependent operation to dynamic pump-driven operation. The dispenser uses a pump to actively deliver treatment fluid through the delivery line, allowing flexible positioning of the container and enabling operation from distant locations without manual carrying. The pump mechanism enables continuous, controlled delivery rather than requiring repeated manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical carrying and gravity-based flow with an automated pump system. The pump mechanically delivers the treatment fluid through the delivery line, substituting for the need for manual handling and gravity-dependent positioning. This automation reduces operational time and complexity while maintaining system simplicity.
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 dispenser apparatus effectively delivers treatment fluids to condensation drainage lines from a convenient location, reducing safety risks and operational complexity, ensuring thorough disinfection and cleaning while minimizing the need for frequent refilling and reducing the risk of clogging and overflow.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid pump having an inlet for receiving the treatment fluid from the container, the liquid pump also having a discharge for delivering the treatment fluid to a treatment delivery line
Implementation Method 2
an air pump having a discharge for delivering air to the treatment delivery line
Implementation Method 3
activate the air pump to discharge an amount of air sufficient to push the amount of the treatment fluid through the treatment delivery line
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser and procedure for disinfecting and cleaning air conditioner condensation drainage lines and other condensation drainage lines. The dispenser can be installed at any convenient location on any floor of a home or other building, regardless of whether the location is below, above, or at the same elevation as the inlet of the condensation drainage line. The dispenser includes a liquid pump for delivering an amount of treatment fluid into a treatment delivery line and an air pump for pushing the dose of treatment fluid through the treatment delivery line and into the condensation drainage line.