Liquid Dispenser Additive Inlet for Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterborne tinting pastes in dispensers are prone to microbiological fouling and mildew in the headspace and dispensing nozzle, necessitating the use of toxic preservatives to inhibit microbial growth, posing environmental and user safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser with an additive inlet in the headspace section that sprays preservatives or other additives onto the surface of the liquid and interior walls, allowing controlled metering and distribution of microbiocides or disinfectants to inhibit microbial growth without contaminating the dispensed tinting paste, using a control unit and metering pump system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preservatives are added to inhibit microbiological activity in waterborne tinting pastes, then microbial growth is prevented, but environmental and user safety risks increase due to toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the preservative application from the tinting paste dispensing by using dedicated additive inlets and a separate dosing mechanism. The preservative is applied in controlled amounts directly to the headspace or liquid surface, preventing microbial growth without requiring high concentrations throughout the entire paste volume, thus reducing overall toxicity exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of preservatives by using a metering pump system that delivers precise, low doses of additive. This controlled parameter adjustment maintains effective microbial inhibition while minimizing the amount of toxic substance present, thereby reducing environmental and user safety risks.
2Reliability
If additive inlets are provided in the headspace section for spraying preservatives, then microbiological activity is inhibited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additive inlet system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can spray preservatives onto the liquid surface, treat the headspace environment, and potentially apply anti-settling or rheological agents. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive solution to several problems (microbial growth, settling, viscosity changes) through a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering pump acts as an intermediary device that precisely controls the delivery of additives from the storage container to the headspace or liquid surface. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate dosing without requiring complex manual intervention or large amounts of chemical, simplifying the overall control while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a metering pump system is used to control additive supply, then additive distribution is precise, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metering pump system is designed to automatically control additive delivery based on pre-programmed parameters or simple user input. The system self-regulates the dosing process, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment by operators. This automation provides precise metering while reducing operational complexity, as the system performs the complex dosing calculations and deliveries autonomously.
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
Effectively inhibits microbiological activity in the dispenser headspace while minimizing the risk of environmental contamination and user exposure to toxic preservatives, maintaining the quality of the dispensed tinting paste.
Implementation Method 1
The additive is sprayed into the headspace onto the surface of the liquid and optionally also on the interior wall of the container above the liquid level
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A liquid dispenser (1), e.g., for tinting pastes. The dispenser (1) comprises at least one container for holding the liquid to be dispensed. The container has a headspace section (15) with an additive inlet (20), such as a nozzle. A method of administering an additive to the liquid in the container, in particular a disinfectant. The additive is introduced into the headspace (15) of the container through an additive inlet (20), such as a nozzle.