Liquid dispenser having dispensing assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pet water dispensers fail to provide running or moving water, which is more appealing to animals, and often result in stagnated water, posing a need for a system that maintains freshness and encourages consumption.
Innovation Solution
A pet water dispenser with a base containing a container, a lid assembly with a filter and dispensing system, and electronic components for temperature control and liquid circulation, featuring a pump, secondary filter, and UV sterilization to ensure fresh and appealing water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple drinking bowl is used, then the device complexity is low, but the water becomes stagnated and loses appeal to pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic water dispensing system where a pump periodically draws water from the container and dispenses it through a nozzle, creating moving water that appeals to pets. The float mechanism dynamically adjusts the pump operation based on water level, transforming static water storage into active water circulation that maintains freshness without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism automatically controls the pump operation based on water level, eliminating the need for external control systems. When water level drops, the float triggers the pump to refill; when sufficient, it stops automatically. This self-regulating system maintains water freshness through periodic circulation while keeping the overall device complexity low.
2Reliability
If a pump and filtration system are added to circulate water, then water freshness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump, float control mechanism, and dispensing nozzle into an integrated assembly that works as a unified system. The pump is positioned to draw water directly from the container bottom, the float is mechanically linked to the pump activation, and the nozzle is strategically placed for optimal dispensing. This merging of components achieves effective water circulation and freshness maintenance while minimizing the number of separate parts and connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes hydraulic principles where the pump creates water flow through pressure differential, and the float mechanism uses buoyancy (a pneumatic/hydrostatic principle) to trigger pump operation. These natural physical principles eliminate the need for complex electronic sensors or control systems, maintaining water freshness through passive physical mechanisms rather than active electronic control.
3Reliability
If water is circulated continuously to maintain freshness, then water appeal to pets is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic water circulation rather than continuous operation. The pump activates intermittently based on float-triggered water level detection, creating periodic bursts of water flow that maintain freshness and appeal to pets. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous circulation while still achieving the desired water freshness and pet attraction through regular water movement and dispensing.
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 effectively circulates and filters water, maintaining freshness and appealing flow to pets, encouraging consumption while ensuring the water remains clear and safe.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, secondary filter, and UV sterilization to ensure fresh and appealing water flow
Implementation Method 2
a pump, secondary filter, and UV sterilization to ensure fresh and appealing water flow
Implementation Method 3
a pump, secondary filter, and UV sterilization to ensure fresh and appealing water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser may include a container having an upper opening, a pump provided in the container, a pipe through which liquid discharged from the pump is transferred, a top plate having an upper surface over which liquid flows, a filter assembly provided below the top plate, a base provided below the container, and a thermoelectric element provided in the base to cool the liquid in the container.