Fluid Delivery Device Integrated Flush Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid delivery systems with standalone flush manifolds are prone to wear, require frequent hose replacements, pose safety concerns due to residual solution exposure, and occupy excessive space, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A fluid delivery device with integrated solution and flush flow paths, reducing the need for multiple hoses and minimizing residual solution collection, featuring a compact design that connects dispensers directly to a fluid flush source, enhancing durability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standalone flush manifold with distinct hoses is used to connect dispensers to flush source, then fluid delivery capability is provided, but durability deteriorates due to hose wear and frequent replacement needs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmultiple hoses and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the flush manifold functionality directly into the dispenser body, eliminating the need for separate hoses and external flush manifolds. The solution outlet fluidly connects to the flush flow path within the dispenser, creating a unified structure that removes multiple connection points and reduces wear-related failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the external flush manifold component entirely from the system. By integrating flush functionality into the dispenser body, the design eliminates the separate flush manifold that would require additional hoses and connection points, thereby reducing overall system complexity and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple distinct hoses connect dispensers to flush manifold, then flushing capability is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to residual solution exposure risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidresidual solution exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the flush flow path within the dispenser body and eliminating external hoses, the patent removes the surfaces where residual solution could accumulate. The solution outlet directly connects to the flush flow path inlet within the dispenser, eliminating the hose interface that would trap residual chemicals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flush manifold with multiple inlet connections is used, then multiple dispensers can be connected, but spatial footprint increases which is undesirable in space-constrained facilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-dispenser connection capabilityVSAvoidspatial footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the flush manifold functionality directly into the dispenser body, allowing each dispenser to independently receive and distribute flush fluid. This eliminates the need for a separate external flush manifold, thereby maintaining multi-dispenser connectivity while significantly reducing the spatial footprint of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of repair

If frequent hose replacement is required due to wear, then system maintenance is needed, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance frequencyVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the flush flow path within the dispenser body and eliminating external hoses, the patent removes the consumable components that require frequent replacement. The unified structure with internal channels eliminates wear-prone connection points, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and associated operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3781331B1Fluid delivery device
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 ECOLAB USA INC
  • EP3781331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3781331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3781331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fluid delivery devices (114), systems (100), and methods are disclosed. A fluid delivery device (114) includes a body (115), a solution flow path (144), and a flush flow path (166). The solution flow path and the flush flow path are defined at the body. The solution flow path extends from a solution inlet (116), defined at the body, to a solution outlet (146), also defined at the body. The solution flow path includes a cross channel (148), an inlet channel (150), and an outlet channel (152). The inlet channel extends from the solution inlet to the cross channel. The outlet channel extends from the cross channel to the solution outlet. The flush flow path extends from a flush inlet (118), defined at the body, to a flush outlet (120), also defined at the body. The solution outlet fluidly connects the solution flow path to the flush flow path.