Ozonated Foam Dispenser Using Manual Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual dispensers lack the capability to generate electrical energy and accurately measure the amount of fluid dispensed, and they do not effectively incorporate ozone generation for cleaning applications, which limits their functionality and commercial viability.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus that uses manual movement to generate electrical energy through mechanisms like piezoelectric generators, electromagnetic induction, or fuel cells, and incorporates a method to produce ozone-containing fluids, which are dispensed as foam, allowing for communication link powering and fluid quantity estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If replaceable batteries are used to power dispensing motors and electronics, then electrical energy is available for communication and measurement functions, but system reliability decreases due to component failure and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual dispenser enables users to generate their own electrical energy through mechanical manipulation (pumping, squeezing, or twisting actions). The device converts user-applied mechanical energy into electrical energy via piezoelectric elements or electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for external power sources like batteries. This self-service approach allows the dispenser to power its own communication and measurement functions without adding vulnerable battery components to the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual dispensers are kept simple and inexpensive, then commercial viability is improved, but capability to generate electrical energy and measure fluid quantity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The manual dispenser is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated structure. The same mechanical action that dispenses the fluid also generates electrical energy through piezoelectric elements or electromagnetic induction, and simultaneously measures the fluid quantity through flow sensors or displacement detection. This multi-functionality allows the dispenser to maintain simplicity and low cost while gaining advanced capabilities for communication and measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ozone generation is added to manual dispensers for cleaning applications, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone generation function is merged with the existing manual dispensing mechanism. The same pump or actuator that moves the fluid is used to drive the ozone generation process, and the electrical energy generated during normal operation powers the ozone generation. This integration allows the dispenser to add cleaning functionality without requiring separate power sources or complex additional mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while expanding versatility.
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 the generation of electrical energy for communication and ozone production, improving the functionality and cost-effectiveness of manual dispensers by eliminating the need for batteries and providing accurate fluid measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectricity is the ability of some materials notably crystals and certain ceramics to generate an electric field or electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress. A piezoelectric generator converts motion and force to electrical power, as charge and voltage.
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic induction, or fuel cells
Implementation Method 3
Fuel cells for the creation of electrical energy by the conversion of alcohol compounds, such as ethanol, are known
Implementation Method 4
Ozone is normally produced by passing an oxygen-containing gas through ultraviolet light or a corona discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating ozone containing fluid comprising: drawing atmospheric air into an air compartment, generating ozone within the air compartment from air in the air compartment by conversion within the compartment of oxygen in the air within the compartment into ozone to form ozonated air, discharging the ozonated air from the air compartment, mixing the ozonated discharged air with a flowable fluid to form an ozonated fluid-air mixture, and passing the ozonated fluid-air mixture out a discharge outlet. Preferrably the method is carried out in a dispenser utilizing a piston pump to draw air through a corona discharge ozone generator and to draw liquid from a liquid reservoir and simultaneously pass both the ozonated air and liquid through a foam generator to generate foam.