Additive dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for adding additives to water streams lack precise control over the volume and rate of dispensing, leading to inconsistent results and inefficient use of additives, and often require complex switching between different additives.
Innovation Solution
A dosing apparatus with a damping control system and a moveable member that draws a set volume of liquid into a dosing chamber, allowing for adjustable dispensing rates through a hydraulic piston and one-way valve system, enabling precise control over the dispensing of liquids into water streams or onto absorbent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the additive is dispensed based on water stream flow rate, then the dispensing is automatic and simple, but the dispensing rate is inconsistent and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow-rate-dependent dispensing system with a programmable microprocessor-controlled system. The microprocessor (222) receives signals from a flow sensor (204) but uses electronic control to activate the pump (216) for a predetermined time period (20-30 seconds), thereby substituting mechanical direct-coupling with electronic control to achieve consistent dosing independent of water flow variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a flow sensor (204) that provides feedback to the microprocessor (222) about the presence and characteristics of water flow. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to make informed decisions about when and how long to dispense the additive, ensuring consistent dosing while adapting to different water flow conditions.
2Productivity
If a fixed volume of additive is dispensed quickly, then the dispensing rate is high and productivity is improved, but the mixing is inconsistent and results vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic dispensing action where the pump (216) operates in controlled intervals rather than continuously. The microprocessor (222) activates the pump for specific time periods (20-30 seconds) followed by pauses, allowing the additive to mix progressively with the water stream. This periodic action maintains high productivity while ensuring consistent mixing and uniform distribution of the additive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple additives are stored in separate containers, then the variety of additives is increased, but the complexity of switching between them is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal dispensing system where a single pump (216) and dispensing mechanism can handle multiple different additives. The system uses a common container (208) that can be refilled with different additives, and the microprocessor (222) controls the dispensing parameters for different additive types. This multi-functional design allows variety of additives without requiring separate dispensing mechanisms for each, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 consistent and controlled dispensing of additives, extending their life and allowing for easy switching between different additives, ensuring consistent results and efficient use.
Implementation Method 1
a damping control system arranged to control a dispensing rate of the set volume of the liquid by controlling return speed of the moveable member
Implementation Method 2
The one-way valve is arranged to allow air into the bottle. The one-way valve is arranged such that air can enter the bottle only when the liquid is drawn out of the bottle via the outlet. The outlet is arranged such that the liquid cannot pass through the outlet unless suction is applied to the liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dosing apparatus for dispensing a liquid from a container into a liquid stream of a shower, toilet, or tap includes an adapter, a dosing mechanism, a damping control system, and a dispensing outlet. The adapter is arranged to detachable receive the container. The dosing mechanism includes a dosing chamber and a movable member. The dosing mechanism is arranged to draw a set volume of the liquid into the dosing chamber on activation by moving the moveable member in a first direction. The damping control system is arranged to control a dispensing rate of the set volume of the liquid by controlling return speed of the moveable member. The damping control system is arranged to allow and control adjustment of the dispensing rate. The dispensing outlet is arranged to dispense the liquid into the water stream at the controlled dispensing rate.