Electronic Gas Dispenser Control System with Backflow and Pressure Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas dispensing systems for aquarium environments lack precision in controlling carbon dioxide concentrations, leading to fluctuations and inadequate support for aquatic plant photosynthesis and calcium levels in saltwater environments.

Innovation Solution

An electronic gas dispenser control system equipped with backflow and pressure sensors, which includes an adjustable pressure valve and an electrically controlled valve, allowing for precise control of carbon dioxide release frequency and pressure, integrated with an aquarium control system for automated or manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a regulated supply of carbon dioxide gas is used with a solenoid valve to control gas concentration, then the gas flow can be blocked and resumed to maintain desired concentration, but the gas concentration within the aquarium environment fluctuates due to lack of precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide concentrationVSAvoidgas concentration control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the pressure within the aquarium environment and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the solenoid valve operation based on this feedback to maintain precise gas concentration control, eliminating the fluctuations caused by simple on/off control without feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple mechanical on/off valve control with an electronically controlled solenoid valve system that responds to electronic signals from the controller based on pressure sensor feedback. This substitution of mechanical control with an electronically controlled system enables precise regulation of gas flow and concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If carbon dioxide gas is injected into increase the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide gas, then the amount of carbon dioxide available for photosynthesis increases, but the system lacks precision in controlling the concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissolved carbon dioxide concentrationVSAvoidcarbon dioxide concentration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure within the aquarium environment, which correlates with the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration. This feedback information is used by the controller to precisely regulate the solenoid valve, maintaining the desired concentration level without excessive injection or fluctuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide by adjusting parameters such as gas flow rate, injection timing, and pressure. The controller modifies these parameters based on pressure sensor feedback to achieve precise concentration control, transforming the粗放 injection process into a precisely controlled process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If gas injection rate is increased to maintain adequate calcium levels in saltwater environment, then calcium dissolution from substrate increases, but precise control of calcium concentration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalcium concentrationVSAvoidcalcium concentration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on the pressure within the aquarium environment, which correlates with calcium dissolution rates. The controller uses this feedback to precisely regulate the solenoid valve opening and closing, thereby controlling the gas injection rate and maintaining adequate but precisely controlled calcium levels for invertebrate shell development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 provides stable and precise control of carbon dioxide concentrations, enhancing aquatic plant growth and calcium levels, thereby improving the health of aquatic life by maintaining optimal gas levels in aquarium environments.

Implementation Method 1

The controller includes a pressure sensor arranged to detect a pressure of the gas in the gas supply line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

A backflow sensor may be arranged to detect a backflow of water into the gas output line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackflow detection:

Implementation Method 3

a solenoid opens the valve to allow the carbon dioxide gas to enter the aquarium environment until the desired concentration of the gas has been achieved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 4

Apparatus to aid in the dissolution of a gas with water, such as gas reactors, mixing stones, or other similar apparatus, may be attached about the aquarium environment end of the tubing to increase the rate at which carbon dioxide gas is absorbed into the aquarium environment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas dissolution: Absorption (physical)