Liquid Water-Treatment Pods for Reliable Pool Chemical Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical treatments for recirculating water systems, such as swimming pools, often require granular or powdered products that can be difficult to dissolve, sink to the bottom, and may damage pool surfaces. Additionally, these treatments expose operators to chemical hazards and require additional steps for dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A liquid pod containing a water treatment composition with a judicious selection of solvents, actives, modifiers, and adjuvants, encapsulated within a water-soluble polymer film. This design ensures the liquid pod dissolves without damaging the film, maintains buoyancy control, and is safe for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If granular or powdered chemical treatments are used, then the treatment can be applied to the water system, but the products are difficult to dissolve and may damage pool surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the chemical treatment from solid granular or powdered form to liquid form. The liquid pod contains a liquid composition that dissolves readily in water, eliminating the dissolution difficulties associated with granular or powdered products while maintaining effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble polymer film acts as an intermediary container that holds the liquid treatment composition. This film dissolves in water, releasing the liquid treatment without requiring the operator to handle the chemical directly, thus improving both ease of application and dissolution reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If granular or powdered chemical treatments are used, then the treatment can be applied to the water system, but additional steps are required for dispersion and prevention of damage to pool surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid treatment composition is pre-formulated and pre-packaged in the liquid pod before application. The pod is designed to dissolve and disperse automatically upon contact with water, eliminating the need for operators to perform additional dispersion steps or take protective measures against pool surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid pod is designed to self-disperse and self-apply the treatment when placed in the water system. The liquid composition automatically mixes with the water and distributes the treatment without requiring operator intervention for dispersion or additional protective actions.
3Ease of operation
If liquid household pods are used, then the liquid composition can be applied easily, but the lack of agitation in recirculating water systems prevents effective mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical properties of the liquid composition by adjusting viscosity, density, and other parameters to ensure effective mixing in recirculating water systems. The liquid composition is formulated to disperses reliably even in environments with limited agitation, maintaining ease of application while improving mixing effectiveness.
4Quantity of substance
If the liquid pod uses certain solvents to dissolve water-soluble materials, then the treatment materials can be dissolved, but the liquid may degrade or dissolve the water-soluble film
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different solvents with specific local properties for different functions. The liquid composition contains solvents that are selective in their action - they dissolve the water-soluble treatment materials while being compatible with and not degrading the water-soluble polymer film. This localized specificity allows the film to remain intact while still achieving complete dissolution of the treatment contents.
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 liquid pod effectively dissolves in recirculating water systems, disperses uniformly, and provides controlled treatment without exposing operators to chemical hazards, thus enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a packet comprising a water-soluble polymer film
Implementation Method 2
maintain control of the liquid pod buoyancy (so that the pod floats/disperses on the surface of the water or sinks/applies to a direct spot on the floor of the body of water)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a liquid pod comprising a liquid composition comprising at least two of a Solvent A, a Solvent B, an Active, a Modifier, and an Adjuvant, wherein the water treatment liquid composition is disposed within a packet comprising a water-soluble polymer film.