Semi-Automatic Oxalic Acid Dosing for Apiculture Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vaporizing devices for oxalic acid in apiculture lack accuracy in dosing and administration, requiring manual measurement by operators, which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in treating bee families.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic dosing system for oxalic acid vaporization devices, featuring a temperature-regulated electric device with a dosing mechanism that includes a rotatable dispenser with recesses for precise powder dosing and a heating system to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring accurate and efficient vaporization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual dosing by operator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing precisionVSAvoiddosing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dosing device automatically performs the dosing operation without requiring manual measurement by the operator. The rotatable element with recesses self-regulates the powder transfer from tank to container, eliminating human error in dosing while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dosing mechanism is segmented into discrete recesses on the rotatable element, each designed to hold a precise amount of powder. This segmentation allows for accurate dosing through simple rotational movement rather than complex measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If single-dose seat is used, then dosing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidtreatment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple doses of oxalic acid powder are pre-loaded into the tank before use. The dosing device then automatically portions out the correct amount for each treatment through rotational dispensing, maintaining single-dose precision while enabling multi-dose productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables continuous operation by keeping multiple doses ready in the tank. The operator can perform multiple vaporization treatments in succession without waiting for container replacement or manual dosing preparation, maintaining consistent dosing accuracy throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If multi-dose seat is used, then productivity is improved, but dosing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable dosing element automatically portions the correct single dose from the multi-dose tank contents, eliminating the need for manual measurement. Each rotation delivers a precise, pre-determined amount regardless of how many doses remain in the tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If manual vaporization time measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dosing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor administration accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correct amount of powder is pre-measured and placed in the dosing recess before vaporization begins. This eliminates the need for real-time measurement during vapor administration, ensuring dosing accuracy without requiring complex timing or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 semi-automatic dosing system enables quick, simple, and accurate measurement of oxalic acid doses for bee families, improving the precision and efficiency of oxalic acid administration, reducing the risk of over or under-dosing.

Implementation Method 1

heating means 13 configured for heating the container 16 and keeping its temperature at a pre-established value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Devices for vaporizing oxalic acid are known, which comprise a heater supplied by electric current which produces heat, used for heating one or more doses of oxalic acid contained in a seat, making them evaporate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3930451B1Device for vaporizing oxalic acid comprising a semi-automatic dosing system of the powder of oxalic acid
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 BENICCHI UMBERTO
  • EP3930451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3930451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for vaporizing oxalic acid is described, comprising a container (16) configured for receiving oxalic acid to be vaporized, heating means (13) configured for heating the container (16) and keeping its temperature at a pre- established value, a tank (5) configured to be filled with oxalic acid in powder, a dispenser (4) connected to the container (16) and to the tank (5), comprising a dosing device (11) which connects the tank (5) to the container (16), the dosing device (11) comprising at least one recess (A), configured for receiving from the tank (5) a dose of oxalic acid in powder and afterwards pour it in the container (16).