Multi-reservoir Liquid Dispenser Mechanical Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical dispensing systems face issues such as the need for frequent cartridge replacement, complexity due to electronic components, and reliance on power sources, leading to increased costs and inconvenience in janitorial operations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser design featuring an in-line reservoir system that allows continued operation after the supply cartridge is depleted, using a dosing tank and control valve to meter chemical dispensing without complex electronics or power sources, with a flow restrictor and locking mechanism for controlled product flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic metering systems are used to measure chemical dispensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic metering systems with a purely mechanical dosing mechanism. The dosing tank is mechanically connected to the supply cartridge and receptacle, using mechanical displacement and flow control to achieve precise chemical transfer without sensors, processors, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes all electronic components (sensors, processors, power sources) from the chemical dispensing system while retaining the essential dosing function through mechanical means alone.
2Measurement precision
If electronic metering systems with processors and sensors are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates expensive electronic components by using a simple mechanical dosing system with movable walls and flow control mechanisms that can be manufactured at lower cost while maintaining dosing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs disposable or easily replaceable mechanical components such as the supply cartridge and dosing tank, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to durable electronic systems.
3Measurement precision
If power sources are integrated into the chemical dispenser, then measurement precision and control are improved, but ease of operation and location flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes power sources entirely from the system, enabling the dispenser to be placed anywhere without electrical outlets while maintaining dosing function through passive mechanical operation.
4Device complexity
If a single supply cartridge is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases when the cartridge is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chemical storage into multiple independent reservoirs (supply cartridge and additional reservoir) that can be refilled or replaced independently, ensuring continuous operation without interruption when one reservoir is depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes pre-configured additional reservoirs that are ready to be activated when the primary supply cartridge is depleted, ensuring operational continuity without requiring immediate system shutdown or complex intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a liquid supply cartridge, and a reservoir disposed in the housing that holds a volume of the product. The reservoir includes an access port for receiving the liquid supply cartridge and placing the liquid supply cartridge and the reservoir in communication. A dosing tank is connected to the reservoir and configured to hold a metered volume of the product. A control valve is movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein when the control valve is in the opened position, product in the dosing tank is permitted to flow from the liquid dispenser and product flow from the reservoir to the dosing tank is prevented, and when the control valve is in the closed position, product in the dosing tank is prevented from flowing from the liquid dispenser and product flow from the reservoir to the dosing tank is permitted.