Diluent Pumping for Precise Additive Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and an additive in low through-flow rate applications lack precise control over the amount and timing of the additive, and are not adapted for low flow rates.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that increases the pressure of the diluent using a pump before mixing it with the additive, allowing for precise control over the additive's delivery through pulsed addition at high frequencies, and operates effectively at low flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mains pressure is used to drive liquid towards outlet with additive container, then liquid flow is achieved, but precise control over additive amount and timing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive amount controlVSAvoidadditive delivery control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where the outlet is in liquid communication with both the diluent and additive supplies for additive dispensing, and a second mode where the outlet is in liquid communication with only the diluent supply. This dynamic configuration allows precise control over when and how much additive is delivered, resolving the contradiction between achieving liquid flow and maintaining precise additive control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid communication paths are segmented into separate controllable channels: one channel connects the outlet to the diluent supply, and another channel connects the outlet to the additive container. By segmenting the flow paths and independently controlling their connectivity, the system can precisely regulate additive delivery while maintaining overall liquid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stress or pressure

If outlet is in liquid communication with additive container and diluent, then mixing is achieved, but pressure control becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet pressureVSAvoidliquid communication configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid communication configuration is made dynamic, allowing the system to switch between a state where both additive container and diluent are connected to the outlet (for mixing) and a state where only diluent is connected (for pressure control). This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between achieving mixing and maintaining pressure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If conventional mixing devices are used, then additive and diluent can be combined, but precise control over timing and amount is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditive timing and amount controlVSAvoidmixing and dispensing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control of liquid communication paths to achieve precise timing and amount control of additive delivery. By controlling when the outlet is in communication with the additive container versus the diluent supply, the system achieves measurement precision without requiring complex dosing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic principles to control liquid flow and mixing. By manipulating the liquid communication paths and pressure differentials between the diluent supply, additive container, and outlet, the system achieves precise control over additive timing and amount through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical dosing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 apparatus enables precise control over the amount and timing of the additive, improves the dispersion and foaming of the mixture, and provides a satisfying washing experience even at low flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a diluent supply (11) supplying the diluent (1) to a first pump (51); the first pump (51) being arranged to increase a pressure of the diluent (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a mixing unit (10) for creating a mixture of the diluent (1) and the additive (2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentUS12241239B2Apparatus for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and an additive for sanitation, cosmetic or cleaning applications

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 LOREAL SA

AI summary

An apparatus for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and an additive for sanitation, cosmetic or cleaning applications. The apparatus includes a mixing unit for creating a mixture of the diluent and the additive, a diluent supply supplying the diluent to the mixing unit, an additive supply supplying the additive to the mixing unit, an outlet for dispensing the mixture. The diluent supply includes a pump arranged to increase the pressure of the diluent before the diluent enters the mixing unit.