Ceiling-Mounted Water Dispenser Volume Limiting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling-mounted drinking water dispensers require a drain for operation, which can lead to water damage in case of malfunction or incorrect operation, and there is a need for a solution that minimizes this risk while allowing for pressurized liquid dispensing without a drain.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser with an inlet and outlet, featuring a shut-off valve and means to limit the volume of liquid flowing out, allowing only a predefined amount of water to be dispensed per tapping process, thus eliminating the need for a drain and minimizing water damage risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is designed to dispense pressurized liquid without a drain, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of water damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation without drainVSAvoidwater damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by installing volume limiting means and aqua stops before any water damage can occur. These devices pre-establish maximum dispensable volumes and automatically shut off water supply when predefined limits are reached, preventing excessive water accumulation before it can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through automatic shut-off valves and volume monitoring systems that detect when a predefined water volume has been dispensed. The system automatically responds by closing the shut-off valve to stop water flow, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents over-dispensing and potential water damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If means for limiting liquid volume are added to the dispenser, then water damage risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater damage riskVSAvoidvolume limiting means
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs relatively simple, cost-effective volume limiting devices such as preset shut-off valves and aqua stops that can be easily replaced if needed. These are designed as straightforward mechanical or electronic components rather than complex systems, maintaining affordability while providing effective water volume control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume limiting means are designed to operate automatically without requiring constant user intervention. The system self-regulates water dispensing by automatically detecting when the predefined volume is reached and shutting off the supply, reducing the need for complex user interfaces or manual monitoring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution effectively limits the volume of water dispensed per time, preventing excessive water flow and potential damage, while ensuring safe and controlled dispensing of pressurized liquids without the need for a drain.

Implementation Method 1

a shut-off valve (2) arranged therebetween (between inlet and outlet) for releasing or shutting off a flow cross-section for the pressurized liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4560082A1Ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing liquid under pressure, such as water, in particular drinking water
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 MERK ANDREAS
  • EP4560082A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560082A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560082A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser for dispensing pressurized liquid, such as water, in particular drinking water, with an inlet and an outlet and a shut-off valve arranged therebetween for opening or closing a flow cross-section for the pressurized liquid. The ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser is associated with means for limiting the volume of liquid flowing out of the outlet. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ceiling lamp, a room, such as a residential or commercial space, comprising a ceiling-mounted drinking water dispenser, and a drinking water installation.