Dosing Block with Internal Passage for Consistent Fluid Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for in-line mixing of substances with water struggle to control the dosing rate of active substances as they dissolve or erode, resulting in an inconsistent composition of the mixture.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a housing with a chamber and a block containing the active substance, where the block has an outer and inner surface through which fluid flows, positioned between the inlet and outlet, with a holding assembly and fluid flow distributor to maintain a constant dosing rate by controlling the erosion/dissolution of the block's surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a block containing active substance is used for in-line mixing with water, then dosing of the substance is achieved, but the rate of dosing cannot be controlled resulting in inconsistent composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing rate of active substanceVSAvoidcomposition consistency of mixture

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The block is segmented into an outer surface and an inner surface separated by a passage. Fluid flows over both surfaces independently, allowing the active substance to dissolve at two separate interfaces. This segmentation enables better control over the dissolution process and maintains consistent dosing rates even as the block erodes over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-surface dissolution model to a dual-surface dissolution model by introducing a passage through the block. This creates an additional dimension for fluid interaction, allowing dissolution to occur simultaneously at the outer surface and the inner surface, thereby stabilizing the dosing rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If fluid flows past a block containing substance, then mixing is achieved, but control over dissolution rate is lost as block surface area changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidconstant dosing rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The block structure is segmented with a passage running through it, creating distinct outer and inner surfaces. This segmentation allows fluid to interact with both surfaces simultaneously, maintaining reliable and constant dosing rates throughout the block's service life, thereby improving overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passage through the block ensures continuous fluid flow paths that maintain consistent dissolution rates. As the block erodes, the dual-surface design ensures that useful action (dissolution and dosing) continues at a stable rate, preventing interruptions or variations in performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If block surface area decreases over time due to erosion, then dosing continues, but composition consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice life of blockVSAvoidmixture composition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The block is divided into outer and inner surfaces separated by a passage, allowing dissolution to occur at both interfaces simultaneously. This segmentation ensures that as the block erodes over its service life, the dosing rate remains consistent because the dual-surface design compensates for the decreasing total surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the dissolution interface by introducing a passage, creating two distinct surfaces with different characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to maintain consistent dosing rates over time, extending the effective service life while preserving composition stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system ensures a consistent composition of the mixture by evenly distributing the active substance throughout the fluid, maintaining a constant dosing rate despite changes in the block's surface area over time, ensuring effective application in various applications such as fire fighting, cleaning, and agriculture.

Implementation Method 1

fluid flows over the inner and outer surfaces of the block to dissolve and/or erode the block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

fluid flows over the inner and outer surfaces of the block to dissolve and/or erode the block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectErosion: Erosion

Data Source

PatentUS8985135B2System for dosing fluid

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 QUIK CORP FIRE PTY LTD

AI summary

A system for dosing a stream of fluid with at least one active substance is provided. The system includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet to enable the flow of fluid through the chamber. The system also includes a block containing the active substance, the block including a body having an outer surface and a passage therethrough defining an inner surface. The block is positioned within the housing chamber in an operative position between the inlet and the outlet so that in use fluid flows over the inner and outer surfaces of the block to dissolve and/or erode the block.