Liquid dispensing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current steam and heated liquid generation technologies, such as boiler-based systems, face issues with fluctuating pressure, inefficiency, and the need for external power sources, leading to inconsistent performance and safety concerns, especially in portable and mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A portable liquid dispensing apparatus powered by a battery, featuring a heating element, liquid reservoir, pump, and coiled copper pipe, which generates heated liquid or steam efficiently without the need for mains electricity or flammable gases, allowing for controlled temperature adjustment and efficient cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a boiler-based system is used to generate steam, then steam can be produced, but the system requires considerable power and heats up very slowly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating element from the bulk water heating process. Instead of heating liters of water in a boiler chamber, the heating element is placed in direct contact with a small amount of water (e.g., in a steam generation chamber), allowing rapid steam production with minimal energy input and fast heating response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from heating large volumes of water (2-5 liters) to heating small volumes (e.g., 50-200 mL) at higher temperatures. This parameter change enables the system to reach steam-generation temperature much faster while consuming significantly less power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a boiler-based system is used to generate steam, then steam can be produced, but the system constantly requires replacement o-rings due to high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameters by using an electric heating element that can generate steam at controlled, lower pressures compared to flame-based systems. This reduces the stress on sealing components like O-rings, extending their service life and reducing maintenance frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If a flame-based heating system is used, then steam can be generated quickly, but the system uses flammable gases (LPG/Propane)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidflammability risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/chemical combustion system (flame-based heating using LPG or propane) with an electrical heating system. The electric heating element provides comparable or sufficient heating speed without the flammability risks associated with stored gas canisters and open flames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of using flammable gases into a benefit by eliminating the need for gas storage and handling. The electrical system provides the necessary thermal energy without the safety hazards, making the device safer for portable use while maintaining effective steam generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Weight of moving object

If a portable steam generator is used, then mobility is improved, but the device requires heavy generators or mains electricity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the steam generation function from heavy infrastructure (generators or mains electricity systems) and implements it using a compact, lightweight electric heating element that can operate from small battery packs or portable power sources, dramatically reducing device weight while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 apparatus provides a consistent and efficient supply of heated liquid or steam for gum removal and cleaning tasks, reducing waiting times and chemical usage, while being portable, silent, and environmentally friendly, eliminating risks associated with flammable gases and heavy generators.

Implementation Method 1

the power source causes the heating element to heat the liquid passing through the portion of the pipe adjacent to the heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the pump drives liquid from the reservoir into and through the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10426311B2Liquid dispensing apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 STEAM E HLDG LTD

AI summary

A portable liquid dispensing apparatus is described, which comprises a battery, a heating element, a liquid reservoir, a pump, an outlet, and a pipe, extending from the reservoir to the outlet and passing adjacent the heating element. In operation, the pump drives liquid from the reservoir into and through the pipe while the power source causes the heating element to heat the liquid passing through the portion of the pipe adjacent to the heating element to be expelled from the outlet at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature.