Multi-Inlet Dispensing Tubing With Venturi Vacuum Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems are limited by having only one inlet source, requiring excessive manual changes, collapsing due to vacuum, and risking contamination, with none utilizing Venturi-based fluid dispensing from multi-inlet tubing.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a multiple tubing arrangement with Venturi devices that allows fluid to be drawn from multiple reservoirs at equal rates using a vacuum, eliminating the need for container vacuum and preventing contamination through a continuous loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single inlet source is used in the dispensing system, then the system structure is simple, but excessive manual changeovers are required during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid supply into multiple independent inlet sources (primary inlet tube with primary reservoir, auxiliary inlet tube with auxiliary reservoir) that can operate simultaneously or independently, eliminating the need for manual changeovers between single sources
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing system is designed to handle multiple types of fluids from different reservoirs (e.g., water, milk, syrup) through a universal dispensing mechanism, allowing any inlet source to replace another without system reconfiguration
2Productivity
If vacuum is applied to draw fluid from a single reservoir, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the bottle collapses due to vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vacuum application across multiple reservoirs rather than applying full vacuum to one reservoir, distributing the pressure differential and preventing any single reservoir from collapsing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameters by applying vacuum proportionally to multiple reservoirs simultaneously, maintaining pressure balance that prevents structural collapse while achieving fluid delivery
3Productivity
If manual changeovers are required between inlet sources, then system simplicity is maintained, but time loss occurs during peak business hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous fluid dispensing operation by having multiple inlet sources available simultaneously, eliminating interruptions and changeover downtime during peak operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple reservoirs in advance and keeps them connected to the dispensing system, so when one reservoir is depleted, another is already ready to take over without interruption
4Reliability
If a single inlet tube system is used, then the tubing arrangement is simple, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubing system is segmented into separate inlet tubes for different fluid sources, with each tube dedicated to a specific reservoir, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate components (check valves, flow control devices) in the tubing arrangement that prevent backflow and contamination between different fluid sources while maintaining relatively simple overall structure
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 multiple inlet sources, reduces changeover time, maintains continuous vacuum, and ensures equal distribution of fluid, preventing cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The multiple tubing arrangement being responsive to a vacuum provided from the dispenser, for drawing the fluid from the multiple reservoirs so as to deplete the multiple reservoirs at relatively equal amounts based on the Venturi effect
Implementation Method 2
The primary inlet tube may include a Venturi device having inlet and outlet ports for respectively receiving an auxiliary feed and providing a primary feed, as well as tubing for inserting into the primary reservoir, and may be configured to couple to the auxiliary inlet tube so as to provide a proportional vacuum and siphoning effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The present invention provides a system featuring a dispenser for providing fluid from multiple reservoirs to an appliance or other suitable device; and a multiple tubing arrangement coupled between the dispenser and the multiple reservoirs of fluid, the multiple tubing arrangement being responsive to a vacuum provided from the dispenser, for drawing the fluid from the multiple reservoirs so as to deplete the multiple reservoirs at relatively equal amounts based on the Venturi effect. The multiple tubing arrangement comprises a primary inlet tube for arranging in a primary reservoir, an auxiliary inlet tube for arranging in an auxiliary reservoir, and a feed connector tube arranged between the primary inlet tube and auxiliary inlet tube. The primary inlet tube is coupled to the auxiliary inlet tube so as to provide a proportional vacuum and siphoning effect. The multiple tubing arrangement siphons and depletes the fluid from the primary reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir based on the Venturi effect.