Floating Solid-Compound Dispenser With Pump-Driven Liquid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing solid compounds into liquids require human intervention or a pre-existing liquid circulation zone, limiting their autonomy and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A floating, energy-autonomous device that regulates the flow rate of dissolved solid compounds based on sensor measurements and wireless communication signals, allowing it to dispense chlorine or bromine into liquids without a pre-existing liquid circulation zone, using a circulation circuit, pump, power supply, and control module to optimize delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device uses a pre-existing liquid circulation zone for dispensing solid compounds, then the dissolution rate can be controlled, but the device cannot be used in locations without such circulation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pump system that creates its own local circulation zone around the dispensing device. This mediator component enables the device to function independently without relying on pre-existing pool circulation systems, thereby achieving location flexibility while managing complexity through a dedicated circulation module.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device is designed with universal applicability by integrating a self-contained circulation system that can operate in various pool configurations regardless of existing circulation infrastructure. The device performs multiple functions: dispensing solid compounds, creating local circulation, and adapting to different installation locations.
2Extent of automation
If manual control mechanisms are used for adjusting dissolution rates, then device complexity is reduced, but human intervention is required for adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic control through feedback mechanisms that monitor dissolution rates and adjust dispensing parameters accordingly. Sensors detect the state of the liquid medium and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the pump operation and compound release rate to maintain optimal dissolution conditions without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to self-regulate its operation by automatically adjusting dissolution rates based on real-time conditions. The integrated control system monitors and adjusts parameters without requiring external manual control, enabling the device to serve itself and adapt to changing conditions autonomously.
3Productivity
If high dissolution rates are used for shock chlorination, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of the circulation pump operation to match the required dissolution rate. The system can operate at high speeds when rapid dissolution is needed for shock treatment, and automatically reduces speed during maintenance phases. This dynamic operation optimizes the balance between productivity and energy consumption based on real-time treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements periodic operation patterns with distinct high-intensity phases for shock chlorination followed by lower-intensity maintenance phases. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high dissolution rates only when necessary, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness during critical periods.
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
Minimizes human intervention and ensures precise dispensing of solid compounds into liquids, optimizing energy consumption and safety, particularly in small swimming pools without existing circulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module (15) attached to an external surface of the emergent part (6)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (13) configured to generate the circulating flow of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a sensor (17) configured to measure a measured value of a parameter of the volume of liquid (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a floating and energy-autonomous device (1) configured to dispense a solid compound (2) into a volume (3v) of liquid. The device (1) comprises a reservoir (9) of solid compound (2), and a pump (13) configured to generate a circulating flow of the liquid (3) coming from the volume (3v) of liquid and passing through the reservoir (9) before returning to the volume (3v) of liquid. The device (1) comprises a sensor (17) configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a parameter of the volume (3v) of liquid or of a gaseous environment (4) of the device (1 ), and/or an antenna (18) configured to receive a radio signal, and to generate an antenna signal. The device (1) comprises a microcontroller (19) configured to command the pump (13) and to regulate the circulating flow rate of the liquid (3) on the basis of the sensor signal and/or of the antenna signal.