Condensate Drain Line Dispenser Using Pumped Fluid and Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for treating air conditioner condensation drainage lines are cumbersome, requiring installation and operation in the attic, posing safety hazards and accessibility issues, especially for heavy items and materials, and are inefficient in fluid delivery due to gravity flow limitations.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser apparatus with a liquid pump and air pump, controlled by an electronic device, allowing for the delivery of treatment fluid and air to push the fluid through the drainage lines from a location at or below the condensation drip pan, enabling installation at any level and remote operation through a smartphone app for efficient treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the treatment system is installed in the attic to allow gravity flow of treatment fluid into the condensate drainage line, then fluid delivery is simplified, but accessibility and safety are worsened due to the need to carry heavy items up ladders or stairs and spend considerable time in the attic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-based mechanical flow system with an electrically-powered pump system. The pump can be installed at ground level in locations like the garage, eliminating the need to install equipment in the attic while still delivering treatment fluid to the drainage line through controlled mechanical pumping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device between the treatment fluid source and the condensate drainage line. This intermediary enables fluid delivery without requiring direct gravitational flow from attic-level installation, allowing the system to be operated from convenient ground-level locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the treatment system is installed in the attic to utilize gravity flow, then installation cost is reduced, but safety hazards increase due to inadequate flooring, exposed nails, and extreme heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gravity-dependent installation approach with an electrically-powered pump system that can be installed in safe, accessible locations such as the garage. This substitution eliminates exposure to attic hazards while maintaining effective treatment fluid delivery through the drainage line.
3Ease of operation
If gravity flow is used to deliver treatment fluid into the condensate drainage line, then the system is simple to operate, but the amount of fluid required increases and delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive gravity flow with an actively-controlled electric pump system. This allows precise control over fluid delivery timing and quantity, enabling the system to deliver the exact amount of treatment fluid needed without the waste associated with gravity-flow systems that require continuous or excessive fluid volumes to maintain flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic, on-demand pump operation rather than continuous gravity flow. The pump can be activated at specific intervals or triggered by sensors to deliver treatment fluid only when needed, reducing overall fluid consumption while maintaining operational effectiveness.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the treatment system requires installation in the attic, then gravity flow enables passive operation, but the device complexity increases due to the need for remote location installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive gravity-flow mechanism with an electrically-powered pump system that can be installed in convenient, accessible locations. While this introduces electrical components, it eliminates the complexity of attic installation, routing, and maintenance, allowing the system to be serviced from ground level without requiring access to difficult-to-reach areas.
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 solution allows for safe, efficient, and cost-effective treatment of condensation drainage lines from any level, reducing the need for frequent attic access and minimizing the risk of clogging and overflow, while accommodating multiple drainage lines and remote monitoring.
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
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.