Foamed Soap Dispenser With Adjustable Air-Soap Ratio Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foam soap dispensers lack the ability to easily adjust and change the foam consistency over a specific range, limiting their adaptability to varying soiling conditions.

Innovation Solution

The dispenser adjusts the foam consistency by varying the speed of one electric motor controlling the soap pump while keeping the air pump speed constant, using DC motors with voltage control to maintain consistent delivery rates, and includes a voltage stabilization circuit for self-sufficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the foam consistency is adjusted by changing the gear ratio of common hand lever actuated pumps, then different foam consistencies can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the adjustment mechanism becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam consistency adjustmentVSAvoidgear mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gear actuation system with electric motors that can be independently controlled by a controller. This substitution eliminates the complex gear mechanisms while enabling precise and easy adjustment of foam consistency through electronic control of motor speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts foam consistency by changing the operational parameters (speeds) of the electric motors rather than changing mechanical gear ratios. The controller can independently vary the speed of the air pump and soap pump motors, providing flexible adjustment of the air-to-soap ratio without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If DC motors with voltage control are used to adjust foam consistency, then easy adjustment over a specific range is achieved, but the need for voltage stabilization circuits increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam consistency adjustmentVSAvoidvoltage stabilization circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a voltage stabilization circuit that automatically regulates the voltage supplied to the DC motors. This self-regulating system compensates for voltage fluctuations without requiring manual intervention, ensuring consistent motor performance and foam quality while minimizing the need for external voltage regulation equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the speed of the air pump is kept constant while varying the soap pump speed, then the mixing ratio can be adjusted, but the power consumption varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing ratio adjustmentVSAvoidmotor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the soap pump motor speed to match the required foam consistency while keeping the air pump running at constant speed. This partial adjustment approach allows the system to achieve the desired mixing ratio by varying only one parameter (soap flow rate) rather than both, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This allows for adjustable foam consistency, ensuring a fixed minimum delivery quantity or varying foam amounts based on soiling conditions without altering dispensing time or flow rate, with preferred delivery rates from 0.3 ml/s to 0.9 ml/s, and maintaining consistent air flow.

Implementation Method 1

DC motors are used whose speed is directly proportional to the motor voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC motor voltage-speed relationship:

Implementation Method 2

a voltage stabilization circuit is also preferably assigned to the built-in power source. In order to provide the motor of the air pump with a constant voltage in this case, so that its flow rate remains the same

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage stabilization:

Implementation Method 3

The air pump is preferably a diaphragm pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiaphragm pump mechanism:

Implementation Method 4

A peristaltic pump, as classified in group F04C5/00 of the international patent classification, is particularly suitable as the soap pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristaltic pumping: Peristalsis

Implementation Method 5

an underside foam generator 3 are arranged. The foam generator can have, for example, a porous insert body or at least two screens arranged one behind the other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFoam generation: Foam

Data Source

PatentEP2299884B1Dispenser for foamed soap

Publication Date: 2012.08.15 HAGLEITNER HANS GEORG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser for foamed soap, comprising a housing accommodating a soap container (2) and a foam-producing unit (3), a first pump (5) being provided in the delivery path (4) of the soap from the container (2) to the foam-producing unit (3) and a second pump (7) being provided in the delivery path (6) of air to the foam-producing unit (3). Every pump (5, 7) is associated with a respective electric motor and has a control which can be used to adjust the ratio of the delivery volumes of air and soap by changing the speed of one of the two electric motors.