Multi-port Chlorine Generator with Keyed Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chlorine generators have limited port configurations, making them difficult to install in cramped spaces and inadequate for supplying chlorinated water to multiple pools or hot tubs, as they often require T-junctions in piping, which can lead to installation challenges and potential hazards from stagnant fluid zones.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port chlorine generator with a housing containing a chlorine generating apparatus and three ports, allowing for flexible fluid communication and the use of a keyed plug to prevent fluid stagnation, enabling efficient chlorination in various installation configurations and reducing hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard two-port chlorine generator is used, then the device is simple to manufacture and install, but it cannot supply chlorinated water to multiple pools or hot tubs without requiring T-junctions in the piping
Solution Approach 1:
The chlorine generator is designed with multiple ports (at least three ports: first port for water intake, second port for chlorinated water discharge, and third port for additional discharge) allowing a single device to serve multiple pools or hot tubs simultaneously, eliminating the need for T-junctions and enabling one generator to perform multiple distribution functions
2Ease of operation
If a standard two-port chlorine generator is used, then the device has simple piping requirements, but it is difficult to install in cramped quarters or areas with restrictive piping configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-port configuration allows the generator to adapt to various installation scenarios including cramped quarters and restrictive piping layouts by providing multiple connection points that can be oriented to match different spatial constraints and piping arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If T-junctions are used in the piping to supply multiple pools, then the chlorine generator can serve multiple locations, but stagnant fluid zones may create health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the T-junction component from the system by integrating multiple discharge ports directly into the chlorine generator housing, thereby removing the stagnant fluid zones that would form at T-junction connections while maintaining the ability to supply multiple pools or hot tubs
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 multi-port design facilitates easier installation in limited spaces and allows for efficient chlorination of multiple pools or hot tubs, while the keyed plug prevents fluid stagnation, reducing hazards and ensuring effective chlorine generation.
Implementation Method 1
As the water passes through the generator, it may flow through or across a charged device which electrolyzes the salts, releasing the chlorine into the water
Data Source
AI summary
A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.