Compact Ozonated Liquid Dispensing Unit for High-Concentration Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior ozonated liquid dispensing systems fail to provide sufficient ozone concentration for effective cleaning and sanitizing, are bulky and expensive, difficult to maintain, and often require significant mechanical alterations, while also posing challenges with ozone off-gassing and compatibility with multiple applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact ozonated liquid dispensing unit using multiple dielectric cells in an in-line configuration to generate high concentrations of ozone gas, mixed with water to form ozonated liquid, and a reaction vessel to reduce ozone gas bubbles, ensuring uniform distribution and prolonged sanitizing effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional electrochemical ozone generation systems are used, then ozone gas can be generated, but the systems become too large and bulky for residential or commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The ozone generation system is divided into multiple dielectric barrier discharge cells arranged in series. Each cell generates a portion of the required ozone, allowing the total ozone output to be achieved while keeping each individual cell compact. This segmentation enables the system to be scaled to appropriate sizes for residential and commercial applications without requiring a single large generator.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dielectric cells are nested or arranged in a compact configuration where the output of one cell feeds into the next. The cells are positioned in close proximity with optimized spacing, allowing the system to achieve high ozone concentrations in a minimized volume. This nested arrangement maximizes the ozone generation density while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Reliability
If electrochemical ozone generation systems are used, then ozone can be produced, but the systems become expensive and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric barrier discharge cells operate without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, pumps, or chemical replenishment systems. The system uses electrical discharge through dielectric materials to generate ozone directly from ambient air or oxygen, eliminating the need for mechanical maintenance. The solid-state nature of the dielectric components allows for long operational lifetimes with minimal intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical ozone generation methods involving pumps, compressors, and chemical handling are replaced with an electrical field-based dielectric barrier discharge system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, reduces maintenance requirements, and lowers operational costs while maintaining reliable ozone generation capability.
3Productivity
If ozonated liquid is dispensed with large ozone gas bubbles, then ozone delivery occurs, but the cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness is reduced and off-gassing increases
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration element is incorporated into the liquid delivery system to mechanically agitate the ozonated liquid as it is dispensed. This vibration breaks up large ozone gas bubbles into smaller bubbles, increasing the total surface area for ozone transfer to the liquid phase. The mechanical vibration promotes better mixing and distribution of ozone throughout the liquid while reducing bubble coalescence and off-gassing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the physical parameters of bubble formation and distribution in the ozonated liquid. By adjusting the vibration frequency, liquid flow rate, and pressure parameters, the system optimizes bubble size distribution to maximize ozone dissolution in the liquid while minimizing ozone release to the atmosphere. This parameter optimization enhances cleaning effectiveness and reduces harmful off-gassing.
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 system provides a high-concentration ozonated liquid for effective sanitization, reducing labor and chemical use, compatible with various applications, and maintains safe ozone levels, offering chemical-free, efficient, and prolonged sanitizing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first dielectric cell prepares ozone gas that is supplied to a second dielectric cell, which creates additional ozone gas
Implementation Method 2
The reaction vessel passes the ozonated liquid against and past a contact member that helps break up the bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile system is described that that produces and applies an ozonated liquid to clean and sanitize a variety of articles and surfaces. The mobile system includes an ozonated liquid dispensing unit that forms the ozonated liquid from water and ozone gas.