Fluid Distributing Device Automatic Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid distributing devices for dental applications, such as the AIR-FLOW® MASTER PIEZON® device, are complex and unreliable due to the use of peristaltic pumps with aging elastomers and require manual switching between tap water and container fluid sources, leading to interrupted fluid flow when containers are empty.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distributing device that automatically switches between tap water and container fluid sources using a gas inlet to pressurize the container, ensuring continuous fluid supply by coupling the container to the device, which automatically switches back to tap water when the container is empty, using valves and a plunger mechanism to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a peristaltic pump is used to control liquid flow from the container, then the fluid flow can be controlled, but the device reliability deteriorates due to aging elastomer in flexible pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the peristaltic pump and its associated flexible pipes from the system. Instead, it uses a simple valve mechanism controlled by a magnetic field to regulate fluid flow from the container, thereby eliminating the reliability issue caused by elastomer aging while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump system with a magnetic field-controlled valve system. The magnetic field actuates a valve to control fluid flow without requiring flexible pipes or peristaltic motion, thus improving reliability while achieving the same flow control function
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching between tap water and container fluid is required, then the device can handle different fluid sources, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic detection and switching system that monitors the container fluid level and autonomously switches between container fluid and tap water sources. The system self-regulates without user intervention, improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to handle multiple fluid sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the container fluid level and automatically triggers switching between fluid sources. When the container fluid is depleted, the system detects this condition and automatically transitions to tap water, eliminating manual switching operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If both tap water connection and container connection are integrated, then the device can supply any desired fluid, but the device complexity increases due to multiple valves and mechanical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical valve assemblies and peristaltic pump mechanisms from the system. It replaces them with a simplified magnetic field-controlled valve and a straightforward switching mechanism that maintains multi-fluid capability while dramatically reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve and pump systems with a magnetic field-controlled actuation system. This substitution simplifies the mechanical elements while preserving the ability to switch between tap water and container fluid sources, thereby reducing overall device complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the container needs to be refilled manually, then the device can use custom irrigation fluids, but the productivity deteriorates due to treatment interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic fluid supply system that continuously monitors container fluid levels and self-regulates the switching between container fluid and tap water. This eliminates treatment interruptions caused by manual refilling, maintaining productivity while allowing the use of custom irrigation fluids from containers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous fluid supply by automatically switching between container fluid and tap water sources without interrupting the treatment process. The system maintains uninterrupted fluid flow to the dental device, eliminating productivity losses associated with manual refilling operations
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 device provides continuous fluid supply without manual intervention, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the complexity of fluid distribution by automatically switching between tap water and container fluid sources, preventing interruptions in fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid distributing device that automatically switches between tap water and container fluid sources using a gas inlet to pressurize the container
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid distributing device (1) for distributing at least one fluid (3, 7, 9) from at least one inlet (6, 8, 10) to an outlet (4) of the fluid distributing device (1), said fluid distributing device (1) comprising a device housing (43) having an outlet (4) coupled to an outlet valve (54) for releasing the fluid (3, 7) from a container (2) or a fluid-source, a gas inlet (10) for receiving a gaseous fluid (9) from a gas source, a container inlet (8) for receiving a container fluid (7) from the container (2), and a source inlet (6) for receiving a source fluid (3) from the fluid-source, wherein each inlet (6, 8, 10) is connectable or coupled with a respective valve (48, 49, 50) for receiving the corresponding fluid (3, 7, 9), wherein the fluid (3, 7, 9) passing through one of the inlets (6, 8, 10) each flows along a predetermined path (31, 40, 42) of the device housing (43), wherein the fluid distributing device (1) is configured to switch between a first state, in which the fluid (3) is received from the source inlet (6) being connected to the fluid-source, and wherein a second state into which the fluid distributing device (1) is preferably automatically switched, when the container (2), comprising the container fluid (7), is coupled to the container inlet (8) for receiving the container fluid (7) from the container (2).