Dispenser Turbulence Control for Solution Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers struggle to maintain a consistent concentration of solutions formed by dissolving solid products due to uncontrolled environmental and product characteristics, requiring additional space for nozzle spray patterns and affecting chemistry and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser that adjusts liquid turbulence based on characteristics such as temperature, density, and surface area of the solid product, using adjustable flow schemes to maintain a desired concentration through manual or real-time adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If liquid is sprayed onto solid product to dissolve it, then the solid product dissolves into liquid solution, but the concentration of the resulting liquid solution cannot be controlled and varies based on operating parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentration controlVSAvoidsensitivity to operating parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying operating parameters including liquid flow rate, spray pressure, nozzle-to-product distance, and agitation speed to establish their relationships with dissolution rate and final concentration. This allows the system to compensate for parameter variations and maintain consistent concentration output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by measuring the concentration of the resulting liquid solution and using this information to adjust operating parameters. Sensors monitor concentration levels and feed this data back to the control system, which then modifies spray rate, agitation, or other parameters to maintain the desired concentration range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If spray nozzles are used to dissolve solid product, then dissolution occurs, but additional space is required for nozzle spray pattern development and solution collection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution efficiencyVSAvoiddispenser size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the dissolution chamber into distinct zones: a spray injection zone for rapid dissolution, a mixing zone for homogeneous distribution, and a collection zone for solution accumulation. This zoned approach enables efficient dissolution in a compact volume by optimizing each zone's function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space arrangement and three-dimensional flow patterns to maximize dissolution efficiency within a compact footprint. By arranging nozzles, agitation elements, and collection areas in vertical and radial configurations, the system achieves thorough mixing and dissolution without requiring large horizontal spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If spray parameters such as flow rate, spray pattern, and nozzle flow are changed, then dissolution rate changes, but this affects the chemistry and effectiveness of the resulting solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution rateVSAvoidsolution chemistry consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically studies and controls the relationship between spray parameters (flow rate, pressure, nozzle geometry) and dissolution kinetics. By establishing optimal parameter ranges and their interrelationships, the system achieves high dissolution rates while maintaining consistent solution chemistry and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of spray parameters during the dissolution process. Flow rate, pressure, and nozzle positioning are adjusted in real-time based on the dissolution stage and desired concentration, allowing the system to optimize both dissolution rate and solution quality throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures consistent and predictable solution concentrations by dynamically adjusting liquid turbulence to account for varying conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

introducing the liquid into the housing to contact the solid product with liquid turbulence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid turbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

adjusting the liquid turbulence of the liquid based upon a characteristic of an uncontrolled condition or solid product to maintain a predetermined concentration of the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow turbulence adjustment: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3456407B1Controlled dissolution solid product dispenser and method
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ECOLAB USA INC
  • EP3456407B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3456407B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3456407B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser 1. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser 1 to interact with the solid product 2 to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product 2 and the liquid. The dispenser 1 will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser 1 to an end use application.