Modular Liquid Sprayer With Detachable Tanks and Pressure-Switched Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held liquid sprayers require manual pumping and lack modular design, leading to potential chemical contamination and high replacement costs due to integrated components.
Innovation Solution
A modular, battery-powered sprayer with detachable supply tank assemblies and a base assembly, featuring a pressure transducer that activates a microswitch to control the motor, allowing for interchangeable tanks and preventing cross-chemical contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual pumping is used in traditional sprayers, then the device can operate without a power source, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pumping system with an electric motor-driven pump system. The motor is mounted on the base assembly and couples to the pump, eliminating the need for manual pumping while maintaining fluid transfer capability. This substitution of mechanical effort with an electric power source directly resolves the contradiction between power source requirements and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the sprayer uses an integrated design with fixed components, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to exchange tanks for different chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sprayer into distinct modular assemblies: a base assembly containing the motor and power supply, and detachable supply tank assemblies that can be selectively coupled to the base. This segmentation allows different tank assemblies to be exchanged based on the chemical being used, while the base assembly remains constant. The modular design directly enables tank interchangeability without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different supply tank assemblies through standardized coupling mechanisms. The base assembly's motor and power supply serve multiple functions across different tank configurations, enabling a single base unit to support various chemical storage and spraying needs through interchangeable tanks.
3Reliability
If the entire sprayer is replaced when one component fails, then the reliability is maintained, but the loss of substance deteriorates due to disposal of functional components
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmentation of the sprayer into replaceable tank assemblies and a durable base assembly enables selective replacement of only the failed component. If a tank assembly fails, only that specific assembly needs to be replaced while the base assembly with its motor and power supply remains in service. This segmentation prevents the waste of functional components that would otherwise be discarded in an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables discarding or replacing only the failed tank assembly while recovering and retaining the functional base assembly for continued use. The standardized coupling mechanisms facilitate easy detachment of the failed tank and attachment of a replacement tank or refurbished unit, maximizing component utilization and minimizing waste of functional parts.
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
Enables portable operation without manual pumping, reduces chemical contamination risk, and lowers replacement costs by allowing separate components to be swapped or replaced individually.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure transducer is disposed in the supply tank and is in fluid communication with the pump fluid outlet line. The pressure transducer is operable to mechanically actuate a switch disposed in the base assembly when a pressure of the pump fluid outlet line is at a predetermined fluid pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, battery powered and portable liquid sprayer includes a supply tank assembly, a base assembly and a hose assembly. The supply tank assembly includes a supply tank that holds a liquid to be sprayed and a pump. The base assembly is selectively and detachably coupled to the supply tank assembly. A pressure transducer housed in the supply tank interacts mechanically with the base to activate a microswitch that will turn the motor on or off, controlling flow of liquid to the hose assembly.