pH Balancing Dispenser with Piercing Opener

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pool pH balancing systems pose safety risks due to exposure to caustic chemicals and require frequent maintenance, with manual handling and calibration issues, especially in automated systems.

Innovation Solution

A pH balancing solution dispensing system that automatically calculates and dispenses pH balancing solution based on chlorine generator run time, using a smart power supply and communication link to monitor chlorine production and adjust dispensing intervals, reducing manual intervention and exposure risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If automated pH balancing systems use probes and sensors to detect pH levels, then pH control precision is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH detection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the pH probe and sensor components from the system entirely. Instead of using electronic sensors to detect pH levels, the system uses a simplified mechanical approach with a float indicator that directly responds to pH changes through chemical reaction, eliminating complex electronic measurement subsystems while maintaining pH control functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable pH test strips or simple chemical indicators rather than expensive, maintenance-prone electronic probes. These inexpensive indicators are replaced periodically, eliminating the need for calibration and complex electronic maintenance while providing sufficient pH measurement capability for the application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If elaborate automated systems with sensors are used, then pH balancing accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH control reliabilityVSAvoidsystem maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-monitoring chemical indicators that automatically detect and signal pH conditions without requiring external power, calibration, or electronic maintenance. The float-activated dispensing mechanism self-regulates based on chemical conditions, eliminating the need for maintenance of electronic sensors and control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses disposable chemical indicators and test strips that are replaced rather than maintained. This approach trades the high maintenance burden of electronic sensors for simple, periodic replacement of inexpensive consumables, dramatically improving ease of repair and system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If manual handling of caustic pH balancing solution is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but safety risks increase due to exposure hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidchemical exposure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated dispensing mechanism as an intermediary between the caustic chemical and the user. The float-activated pump or valve system automatically transfers pH balancing solution from a sealed container to the pool, eliminating direct user contact with hazardous chemicals while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting pH conditions and dispensing the appropriate amount of caustic solution without human intervention. The sealed chemical container feeds solution through an automated mechanism, keeping the hazardous material isolated from users throughout the process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If frequent manual monitoring and adjustment is performed, then pH balance accuracy is maintained, but loss of time and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepH balance accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous pH monitoring and automatic dispensing through the float-activated mechanism. Rather than periodic manual checks, the system continuously responds to pH changes as they occur, maintaining accurate pH balance while eliminating the time loss associated with frequent manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through chemical indicators and automated dispensing. The float mechanism automatically activates when pH correction is needed, eliminating the need for human operators to spend time on routine monitoring and adjustment tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10822824B2pH balancing dispenser and system with piercing opener
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 PENTAIR WATER POOL & SPA INC
  • US10822824B2 patent drawing
  • US10822824B2 patent drawing
  • US10822824B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of adding pH balancing solution to a body of water includes the steps of coupling a pH balancing solution system to a circulation system in communication with the body of water. The pH balancing solution system includes a pH balancing solution dispenser having an upper dispenser body portion, a lower dispenser body portion, an interior support portion with a dispensing grid and a piercing mechanism thereon, and a dispenser lid. The lid of the dispenser is opened and the pH of the balancing solution is inserted inside the upper body portion. The pH balancing solution container is situated on the piercing mechanism and the pH balancing solution container is pierced on the piercing mechanism to open the pH balancing solution container. The open pH balancing solution container is allowed to drain over the dispensing grid. A metered dose of pH solution is dispensed to the body of water through the pH balancing solution system.