Inline Liquid Conditioning for Multi-Type Faucet Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply systems are limited by the number of faucets installed, which restricts the ability to dispense a variety of liquids in response to consumer demand, and the installation of additional fixtures is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A liquid control apparatus that can be installed inline with hot and cold water supply lines, allowing selective modification of the liquid flow based on sensed flow changes, using a flow modifier that can treat or substitute the liquid flow with features like carbonation, filtration, heating, or substitution with alternative liquids, and powered by a battery or mains power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional faucets and plumbing fixtures are installed to provide variety of liquid dispensing options, then the ability to dispense different liquids is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device. It can dispense different liquid types (carbonated water, filtered water, hot water, cold water) by controlling flow to different treatment modules, eliminating the need for multiple separate faucets and plumbing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple liquid treatment and dispensing functions into a single integrated apparatus. The flow controller, treatment modules (carbonation, filtration, heating), and dispensing mechanism are merged into one system that replaces multiple separate fixtures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate liquid supply fixtures are installed to meet consumer demand for different liquid types, then liquid variety is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides multiple liquid types through a single universal device that can switch between different treatment modes and liquid sources, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures and reducing installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its function based on user demand, allowing the same apparatus to provide different liquid types (carbonated, filtered, hot, cold) at different times through electronic control, rather than requiring fixed dedicated fixtures for each liquid type
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective modification of liquid flow in response to user demand without requiring extensive plumbing changes, providing a range of liquid treatments and substitutions at the point of use.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber for use in the modifying of a ducted flow of liquid delivered from a liquid source by the dissolution of a gas into the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for liquid control are provided. A liquid control apparatus may be for selectively treating and/or substituting a liquid flow from at least one of a plurality of supply lines. The ultimate liquid flow is for dispensing to a user by way of a liquid supply fixture such as a tap. The apparatus comprises a liquid conditioning module for connection in-line with at least one of the plurality of supply lines. The liquid conditioning module receives a diverted liquid flow of the at least one supply line from an upstream portion of the supply line. It then outputs a selectively treated and/or substituted liquid flow for returning to a downstream portion of the supply line for dispensing to the user. The apparatus has at least one flow sensor, each flow sensor associated with one of the plurality of supply lines. It has a controller, the controller configured to receive information indicative of the liquid flow of at least one of the plurality of supply lines from the at least one flow sensor. The controller, upon the occurrence of a predetermined flow characteristic, is operable to activate the liquid conditioning module to treat and/or substitute the liquid flow from one or more of the liquid conditioning module connected supply lines in order to provide a treated and/or substituted liquid flow at the liquid supply fixture.