Dispensing Apparatus for Controlled Mixing of Solid Peroxide and Catalyst

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solidification technologies for generating solid block detergents and chemistries require expensive equipment and advanced technical know-how, and often result in uncontrolled reactions when two-part chemistries, such as peroxide and catalyst, come into contact with a water source, leading to waste and inefficient use.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a base, screen, and chambers that separates solid chemistry products until they are dissolved by a water source, preventing uncontrolled reactions by maintaining separation until both products are dissolved and combined through a dispensing spout, allowing for controlled mixing and efficient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid peroxide source and catalyst are separated into different chambers, then uncontrolled reactions are prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of uncontrolled reactionsVSAvoidchamber separation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus divides the solid chemistry products into separate chambers (first chamber for peroxide source, second chamber for catalyst) to prevent uncontrolled reactions. Each chamber is independently sealed and only allows controlled dissolution and mixing at the dispensing outlet, directly resolving the contradiction by segmenting the reactive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid-tight seal and controlled mixing zone act as intermediaries between the separated chambers. The seal prevents premature contact while allowing controlled dissolution, and the mixing zone enables safe combination only after individual dissolution, mediating between separation and mixing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple solid chemistry products are dispensed from a single outlet, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of uncontrolled reaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle outlet dispensingVSAvoiduncontrolled chemical reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary dissolution of each solid chemistry product in its respective chamber before mixing. Water is introduced to dissolve the solids separately, and only after this preliminary dissolution action is complete do the solutions mix at the outlet, preventing uncontrolled reactions while maintaining single-outlet convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous controlled dissolution and mixing action through the chambers and outlet. The fluid-tight seal ensures continuous separation during storage, while the dispensing mechanism provides continuous controlled mixing during use, eliminating harmful discontinuities in the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If expensive solidification technology is used to create solid block formulations, then product stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolid block formulation stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing equipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus uses simple, inexpensive chamber structures and seals rather than expensive solidification equipment. The solid chemistry products are contained in disposable or reusable but low-cost chambers that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for expensive manufacturing equipment while maintaining product stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 the controlled dispensing of two-part chemistries from a single outlet, preventing uncontrolled reactions and optimizing material use, while allowing for customizable formulations and enhanced cleaning action.

Implementation Method 1

a screen attached to the base and substantially covering the base aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

when a water source is applied across the screen the first solid chemistry product dissolved does not come into contact with the second solid chemistry product until the second solid chemistry product is also dissolved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS8603408B2Apparatus for control of on site mixing of solid peroxide source and catalyst

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling on site generation and mixing of a two or more part chemistry, such as a peroxide source and a catalyst. In particular, the invention discloses an apparatus and dispensing method for separating solid surfaces that undergo an uncontrolled, continuous reaction when contacted with water and allows for delivery of solid reactive chemistries at the same time in a standard spray from the bottom dispensing configuration while preventing continued reaction after the dosing is complete.