Liquid Dispenser Flow Regulator Placement for Accurate Dilution Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-regulated dispensing systems are inadequate for managing multiple volumetric flow rates, as they are expensive, difficult to maintain, and often result in inaccurate dilution ratios due to the placement of flow regulators at the inlet manifold, which cannot individually regulate each eductor system.
Innovation Solution
The placement of individual flow regulators or flow regulator and standpipe assemblies upstream of the backflow preventer and eductor system, downstream of any I-connector or actuated valve assembly, allows for precise regulation of volumetric flow rates to each eductor system, maintaining laminar flow and enabling accurate dilution ratios, with the option for easy interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single flow regulator is installed at the inlet manifold to regulate volumetric flow rate to the entire system, then system-wide flow control is achieved, but individual eductor systems cannot be regulated independently and dilution ratios become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single flow regulation function into multiple individual flow regulators, one for each eductor system. This segmentation allows each eductor to have independent flow control, enabling accurate individual dilution ratios while maintaining ease of operation at each dispensing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local flow regulation by placing flow regulators at each eductor system rather than at the central inlet manifold. This local quality approach ensures that each eductor receives precisely controlled flow according to its specific requirements, improving dilution ratio accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If flow regulators are installed at the inlet manifold, then system-wide flow regulation is achieved, but maintenance and cleaning become difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow regulation system into multiple distributed regulators at each eductor, the patent makes maintenance and cleaning accessible at each location rather than requiring access to the central inlet manifold. This segmentation improves ease of repair while maintaining flow regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service maintenance by positioning flow regulators at easily accessible locations near each eductor system, allowing users to perform cleaning and maintenance without requiring professional service or system shutdown, thus improving ease of repair.
3Device complexity
If a single flow regulator is used at the inlet manifold, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate multiple volumetric flow rates for different dispensing points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow regulation into multiple independent regulators, each capable of providing different volumetric flow rates to different eductor systems. This segmentation increases adaptability and versatility while keeping each individual regulator simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal flow control by using standardized flow regulators at each eductor system that can be adjusted to provide different volumetric flow rates as needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate various dispensing requirements while maintaining regulatory simplicity at each point.
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 solution enables precise control of volumetric flow rates to each eductor system, ensuring accurate and consistent dilution ratios, while being cost-effective and easier to maintain, as flow regulators can be easily swapped to meet specific requirements without disrupting the system's vacuum and laminar flow.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid concentrate is drawn from a source and mixed, via an eductor utilizing Venturi action, with a diluent water stream to form the overall diluted detergent or other effluent mixture
Implementation Method 2
A flow regulator is often utilized with dispensing systems to control or regulate the volumetric flow rate of liquid (i.e., water) from a water source to the dispensing system
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid dispenser for dispensing an effluent mixture comprises a manifold inlet connectable to a pressurized liquid source, at least one individual diluent outlet in fluid communication with the manifold inlet, and at least one backflow preventer and eductor system in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet. A flow regulator is in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet and the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system, located upstream of the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of the at least one individual diluent outlet. The flow regulator is preferably individualized for the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and interchangeable within the dispenser to facilitate a plurality of volumetric flow rates to the at least one respective backflow preventer and eductor system.