Self-Regulated Footbath Dispenser with Differential Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footbath systems for animals, such as dairy cows, suffer from a batch-made approach that leads to a rapid deterioration of disinfectant solutions due to soiling, resulting in inconsistent treatment efficacy and frequent refilling or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A self-regulated dispenser system that maintains the fluid level and concentration of active ingredients in the footbath by using a hollow container with an air return passageway and differential valve, allowing for controlled fluid replenishment and minimizing liquid wastage, while preventing contamination from entering the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a batch-made approach is used to fill the footbath with disinfectant solution, then the initial treatment efficacy is high, but the solution deteriorates rapidly due to soiling from animals
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously replenishes the footbath with fresh disinfectant solution through an automated dispenser mechanism, ensuring the solution maintains its potency and effectiveness throughout operation rather than deteriorating as in batch systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor the disinfectant solution level and quality in the footbath, automatically triggering replenishment when thresholds are met, thereby maintaining consistent treatment efficacy through closed-loop control
2Reliability
If the footbath is emptied and refilled frequently to maintain solution potency, then treatment efficacy is maintained, but time and labor are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The footbath system performs self-replenishment through an automated dispenser that detects when solution levels or potency drop and automatically adds fresh disinfectant, eliminating the need for manual emptying and refilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-fills a reservoir with concentrated disinfectant solution before operation, allowing continuous automatic replenishment during operation without requiring interruptive manual refilling actions
3Ease of manufacture
If manual mixing of disinfectant chemical liquid and water is used, then the process is simple, but the concentration of active ingredients is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated dispensing mechanism that precisely meters and mixes disinfectant concentrate with water in predetermined ratios, ensuring consistent active ingredient concentration without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains precise control over the concentration parameter by using pre-configured mixing ratios and automated dispensing rates, ensuring the active ingredient concentration remains within specified ranges throughout operation
4Productivity
If the footbath is allowed to accumulate waste from animals, then continuous operation is possible, but the disinfectant solution becomes contaminated and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes contaminated solution from the footbath at predetermined intervals or when sensors detect contamination thresholds, preventing waste accumulation from rendering the disinfectant ineffective while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards contaminated footbath solution and recovers fresh disinfectant concentrate from the reservoir, automatically replenishing the footbath with clean solution to maintain continuous effective operation
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 maintains a consistent fluid level and active ingredient concentration, reducing the need for frequent refilling and minimizing the decline in treatment efficacy, as illustrated by an asymptotic curve showing a declining rate of deterioration approaching zero after a short period, ensuring effective footbath treatment for animals.
Implementation Method 1
an air return passageway to connect the hollow container to ambient air to return air to the hollow container
Implementation Method 2
a differential valve to restrict the returning air to the hollow container
Implementation Method 3
an outlet passageway to connect the hollow container with the footbath
Data Source
AI summary
A self regulated feeder for a footbath for animals may include a hollow container for a source of fluid, an outlet passageway to connect the hollow container with the footbath, an air return passageway to connect the hollow container to ambient air to return air to the hollow container, and a differential valve to restrict the returning air to the hollow container. The fluid may include air, and the fluid may include a liquid having a disinfect agent. The self regulated feeder may include a flush passageway to flush the footbath, and the air return passageway may be connected to a liquid trap container to prevent fluid from the footbath from reaching the hollow container.