Fluid-Driven Chemical Dispensing for Flow-Independent Dilution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chemical product dispensing systems fail to maintain a consistent concentration of diluted solutions independent of the diluent flow rate, leading to inefficiencies in sanitizing and disinfecting applications.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing apparatus with a housing that includes a product package containing an internally integrated pump, powered by a fluid drive unit, which ensures the rotational motion is transferred to the pump, maintaining a consistent product-to-diluent ratio independent of the diluent flow rate, forming a use solution with a controlled concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional chemical product dispensing system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the concentration of the use solution cannot be maintained consistently independent of the diluent flow rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentration consistencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is internally integrated into the product package, with the drive unit connected to the pump shaft. This nested configuration allows the dispensing mechanism to be contained within the product package itself, maintaining precise concentration control while avoiding the need for separate external pumping equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the flowing diluent itself to power the drive unit, which in turn drives the pump to dispense the concentrated chemical product. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or complex control systems, while maintaining consistent concentration through the inherent coupling between diluent flow and product dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If a pump internally integrated into the product package is used, then the product-to-diluent ratio is maintained consistently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct-to-diluent ratio controlVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump, drive unit, and product package are merged into a single integrated assembly. The drive unit is positioned to receive rotational motion directly from the pump shaft, combining the pumping function and drive mechanism into one unified structure that maintains precise product-to-diluent ratio control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump shaft serves as an intermediary element that directly transmits rotational motion from the drive unit to the pump mechanism. This direct mechanical coupling ensures precise control of the product-to-diluent ratio without requiring complex control systems or intermediate transmission components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If volumetric dosing is used to maintain dilution ratio, then the concentration control is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedilution ratio controlVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically maintains the correct dilution ratio by using the flowing diluent to power the drive unit, which in turn drives the pump to dispense the appropriate amount of concentrated product. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual dosing controls, sensors, or complex operational procedures, thereby maintaining precise concentration control while ensuring ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 accurately dispenses controlled quantities of concentrated chemical products, maintaining a consistent concentration in the use solution regardless of the diluent flow rate, ensuring effective sanitizing and disinfecting across various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid drive unit having an inlet directly connected to receive a supply of a drive fluid such that flow of the drive fluid causes rotation of the fluid drive unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow-driven rotation: Water Turbine

Data Source

PatentEP3185738B1Chemical product dispensing independent of drive fluid flow rate
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 ECOLAB USA INC
  • EP3185738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3185738B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3185738B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluid product dispenser is sized to removably receive a product package containing a supply of the fluid product. The product package includes an internally integrated fluid pump, and the dispenser includes a drive unit powered by flow of a fluid. Flow of the fluid powers the drive unit, which in turn drives the pump internal to the product package, resulting in dispensation of the fluid product in a product/fluid ratio that is independent of the fluid flow rate.