Dispenser and solution dispensing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensers lack control over the amount of chemistry intermixed with water, leading to undesirable concentrations in the output solution, which can result in increased costs and inefficiencies in applications such as warewashing or laundry machines.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a dock and solid product holder that allows for adjustable liquid intake through a movable plate structure, enabling precise control over the amount of chemistry dissolved, and can operate without a dedicated water feed line by utilizing existing liquid supplies within the use device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional dispenser is used to mix chemistry with water, then the dispenser can output a solution, but the amount of chemistry intermixed with water cannot be controlled, leading to undesirable concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The base includes a movable second plate that can be positioned at different locations to adjust the open area between the first and second plates. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows control over the amount of liquid received, thereby controlling the chemistry concentration in the output solution without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the open area (formed by the space between the first plate with apertures and the movable second plate) to control the flow of liquid and the dissolution rate of solid chemistry. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves precise control over chemistry concentration in the dispensed solution.
2Measurement precision
If a dispenser uses a dedicated water feed line, then it can control liquid intake, but it increases device complexity and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed to receive liquid from existing liquid supplies within the use device (such as water spray in warewashing machines) without requiring a dedicated water feed line. The adjustable open area in the base allows the dispenser to self-regulate liquid intake based on the ambient liquid environment, eliminating the need for complex plumbing infrastructure.
3Productivity
If the open area is large, then liquid intake is high, but chemistry concentration becomes uncontrolled and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable second plate provides dynamic control over the open area size. When liquid intake needs to be reduced to prevent chemistry waste, the second plate can be moved to reduce the open area, thereby controlling the amount of liquid that contacts the solid chemistry and dissolves it. This prevents both over-concentration and chemistry waste.
4Ease of manufacture
If the solid product holder is permanently fixed, then installation is simple, but reloading and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is segmented into separable components: a base and a solid product holder. The solid product holder can be removed from the base to facilitate reloading of solid chemistry and maintenance activities. This modular segmentation maintains installation simplicity while enabling easy access for reloading and repair operations.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and optimized output solution with improved control over chemistry concentration, reducing waste and the need for frequent reloading, while allowing for multiple cycles of use without a dedicated water feed line.
Implementation Method 1
a base defining a plurality of apertures that form an open area at which a liquid is received; a support structure extending from the base and defining an internal volume for holding the solid product such that the liquid received at the open area dissolves a surface of the solid product
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A dispenser (100) includes a dock (104) configured to be fixed in place at a use device and a solid product holder (102) configured to be removably secured to the dock (104). The dock (104) has a first portion (142) including a fixation element (146) that is configured to fix the dock (104) in place at the use device and a second portion (144) including a receiving structure (152). The solid product holder (102) includes a retaining structure (138), a base (116), and a support structure (118). The retaining structure (138) is configured to removably secure the solid product holder (102) to the receiving structure (152) at the second portion (144) of the dock (104). The base (116) defines a plurality of apertures (122) that form an open area at which the liquid is received at the solid product holder (102). The support structure (118) extends from the base (116) and defines an internal volume (120) for holding the solid product at the solid product holder (102).