Dispenser with Divider and One-Way Valve for Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensers require multiple units for cleaning solutions with varying concentrations, leading to inefficiencies and inconvenience for users who need to switch between different cleaning solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design with a housing containing two interior volumes separated by a divider and a one-way valve, allowing for the mixing and dispensing of different liquids at varying concentrations, along with visual indicators to help users achieve the desired concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single dispenser is used to dispense multiple cleaning solutions with varying concentrations, then the need for multiple dispensers is eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of divider and valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) by dividers, allowing independent storage of different cleaning solutions. This segmentation enables a single dispenser to hold multiple solutions without complex mixing mechanisms, as each compartment can be independently filled and dispensed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism extracts only the necessary function of controlling fluid flow direction, removing unnecessary complexity. The valve simply opens or closes passages to allow or prevent flow between compartments, rather than implementing a complex system for mixing and concentration adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dispensers are used to maintain different cleaning solution concentrations, then the precision of concentration control is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to manage multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dispensing functions are merged into a single device by providing multiple compartments that can each be dispensed independently through the same pump mechanism. Users can switch between different cleaning solutions by selecting which compartment to dispense from, eliminating the need to physically move between multiple dispensers while maintaining concentration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser housing serves multiple functions: it acts as both storage container and mixing chamber. The same housing structure is used for both storing concentrated solution and storing diluted solution, with the pump assembly serving both to mix solutions and to dispense them, reducing the number of separate devices needed.
3Productivity
If concentrated cleaning solution and water are mixed in the housing, then the productivity of cleaning operations is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to potential mixing errors and spills
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrated cleaning solution is pre-filled into the housing before use, and the pump assembly is pre-configured with the mixing mechanism. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to measure and mix solutions at the point of use, reducing the risk of spills and mixing errors that would lead to substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly automatically performs the mixing function by drawing concentrated solution from one compartment and water from another, combining them in the housing. This self-service mixing mechanism eliminates manual pouring and mixing operations that could result in spills and waste, while maintaining the ability to produce different concentrations on demand.
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
Enables efficient dispensing of cleaning solutions at multiple concentrations without the need for multiple dispensers, allowing users to easily mix and select the desired concentration level, reducing mess and error.
Implementation Method 1
A valve allows fluid to flow from the second interior volume, through the third opening, and into the first interior volume and prevents the fluid from flowing from the first interior volume, through the third opening, and into the second interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a housing that defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening provides a first path of fluid communication between a first interior volume of the housing and an exterior of the housing. The second opening provides a second path of fluid communication between a second interior volume of the housing and the exterior of the housing. A divider is positioned in the housing between the first interior volume and the second interior volume. The divider defines a third opening that provides a third path of fluid communication between the first interior volume and the second interior volume. A valve allows fluid to flow from the second interior volume, through the third opening, and into the first interior volume and prevents the fluid from flowing from the first interior volume, through the third opening, and into the second interior volume.