Dispenser System Dilution Adjustment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for dispensing chemical concentrates are limited to a single dilution ratio, requiring time-consuming adjustments to change the concentration, which can lead to variability in the chemical concentration due to inaccuracies in manual adjustments of diluent flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system with metering devices and a control system that adjusts the concentration of chemical concentrate in response to environmental factors by controlling the flow of chemical concentrate and diluent through separate lines, allowing for precise modification of the dilution concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of diluent flow rate is used to change dilution concentration, then the system can provide different dilutions, but the adjustment is time-consuming and generates variability in chemical concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedilution concentration adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of diluent flow rate with an automated control system that uses metering devices and control algorithms to adjust flow rates electronically, eliminating manual intervention and reducing adjustment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts dilution concentrations by controlling metering devices based on pre-programmed parameters or sensor feedback, allowing the system to self-regulate without user intervention for routine adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of diluent flow rate is used to change dilution concentration, then the system can provide different dilutions, but variability in chemical concentration occurs due to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedilution concentration adjustment capabilityVSAvoidchemical concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual mechanical adjustment with electronic metering devices controlled by a programmable controller, providing precise and repeatable flow rate control that eliminates human error and variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and control algorithms that monitor actual flow rates and chemical concentrations, providing feedback to the metering devices to automatically correct deviations and maintain precise concentration control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a single dilution ratio is used in the system, then operation is simple and consistent, but the system cannot adjust to different dilution requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoiddilution ratio flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where the dilution ratio can be changed by adjusting metering device parameters through the control system, allowing the system to adapt to different requirements while maintaining automated control that preserves operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to manage multiple dilution ratios and configurations through a single unified interface, allowing the system to perform multiple dilution functions while maintaining ease of operation through standardized controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If metering devices and control system are added to enable dilution adjustment, then precise concentration control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical concentration control precisionVSAvoidsystem component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including flow rate control, concentration calculation, and metering device management through a single integrated controller, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10606286B2Dilution adjustment system and method

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 DIVERSEY INC

AI summary

A dispenser system including a source of chemical concentrate, a source of diluent, and a mix chamber in fluid communication with the source of chemical concentrate via a first line and with the source of diluent via a second line to mix chemical concentrate and diluent to form a dilution. The dispenser system also includes one or more metering devices disposed in one or both of the first line and the second line, a discharge fluidly coupled to the mix chamber to deliver the dilution to a downstream receptacle, and a control system in communication with the one or more metering devices. The control system is programmed to adjust a concentration of chemical concentrate in the dilution via control of the one or more metering devices based on an environmental factor affecting a physical environment to be cleaned using the dilution.