Controlled Filling Hose for Airless Dispenser Refills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser refill systems face contamination issues due to exposure of liquids to air during refilling and result in unnecessary liquid wastage before cartridges are fully depleted, leading to increased costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A smart plug-and-play filling hose with a controller that couples to the liquid dispenser, allowing controlled refilling via a pump, incorporating a second liquid reservoir for concentrate storage, and featuring automatic activation and purging mechanisms to prevent contamination and wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed cartridges are used to prevent contamination, then contamination control is improved, but liquid wastage increases due to premature replacement before full depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid supply into two segments: a sealed cartridge that prevents contamination and a refillable reservoir that accommodates partial refills. The cartridge is replaced only when truly depleted, while the reservoir can be refilled at any time without compromising the sealed cartridge's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer hose with a controller acts as an intermediary between the refillable reservoir and the sealed cartridge system. This intermediary enables controlled liquid transfer that maintains the seal integrity while allowing flexible refilling operations.
2Productivity
If frequent refilling is performed to prevent depletion, then dispenser functionality is maintained, but liquid wastage increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the dispenser to serve itself by enabling partial refills of the reservoir without requiring complete cartridge replacement. The controller manages the refilling process automatically, allowing the system to maintain functionality while minimizing waste.
3Device complexity
If manual refilling procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination control deteriorates due to air exposure during refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The controller-equipped transfer hose serves as an intermediary that automates the refilling process. It connects the reservoir to the cartridge system and controls liquid transfer, eliminating manual operations that would expose the liquid to air and potential contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical refilling operations are replaced with an automated controller system that manages the transfer process. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining contamination control through precise, controlled liquid transfer.
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 enables partial refills without compromising contamination control, reducing liquid wastage, and simplifying the refill process while ensuring the liquid dispenser remains functional and hygienic.
Implementation Method 1
transferring liquid from a liquid reservoir to a liquid dispenser via a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser filling hose for use in filling a liquid dispenser with liquid from a liquid reservoir via a pump, comprising: a distal coupler for coupling the filling hose to the liquid dispenser; and a controller arranged to control the pump. The liquid dispenser may be filled using a method comprising: providing a liquid reservoir, a pump and a controller arranged to control the pump, and a filling hose having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the filling hose being coupled to the liquid reservoir; coupling the distal end of the filling hose via a distal coupler to the liquid dispenser; and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir via the filling hose to an airless liquid container forming part of the liquid dispenser.A system for filling a liquid dispenser, comprising: the liquid filling hose; and a liquid reservoir and/or liquid supply station is also described.