Piston Pump Dosing System for Produce Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing chemical solutions for treating produce are inefficient, requiring large mixing tanks, expertise, and significant time, and are prone to human error in achieving accurate chemical concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A dosing system utilizing a piston pump connected to a source of treatment liquid and an application system, with a control system to precisely control the amount of treatment liquid pumped, addressing the inefficiencies and errors of existing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large mixing tanks (300-500 gallons) are used to mix treatment chemicals, then the required concentration level can be achieved, but the system occupies large floor space and is difficult to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemical dosing process into separate components: a small mixing tank (10-20 gallons) for preparation, and a large storage tank (500-2000 gallons) for bulk storage. The chemical solution is transferred from the small mixing tank to the large storage tank, eliminating the need for a single large mixing tank while maintaining accurate concentration control through the segmented approach.
2Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps are used to draw treatment solution, then the solution can be pumped, but the original treatment chemicals are too thick to be drawn in and accurately dosed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary step where concentrated treatment chemicals are first diluted in a small mixing tank with water to create a workable concentration. This diluted solution is then pumped through peristaltic pumps to the large storage tank. The intermediary dilution step allows the peristaltic pump to accurately dose the solution while the original concentrated chemicals remain in a manageable state.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual mixing of treatment chemicals is performed, then the chemicals can be mixed, but expertise and significant time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated mixing system where the small mixing tank is equipped with a stirrer that automatically mixes the treatment chemicals and water. The system self-regulates the mixing process, eliminating the need for operator expertise in manual mixing procedures and significantly reducing the time required to prepare accurate chemical concentrations.
4Ease of operation
If manual preparation of treatment chemical mixtures is performed, then the mixing can be done, but errors in introducing correct amounts and recording actual amounts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated dosing controls that monitor and track the amount of treatment chemicals added to the mixing tank. The system provides real-time feedback on the dosing amounts, ensuring accuracy and maintaining records of actual quantities used. This feedback loop eliminates manual recording errors and ensures consistent, reliable dosage application.
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 dosing system enables precise and efficient application of treatment liquids to produce, reducing human error and the need for large mixing tanks, while ensuring accurate chemical concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a piston pump connected in liquid flow communication with a source of treatment liquid, the piston pump also connected in liquid flow communication with an application system for applying the treatment liquid to the produce
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) for treating produce includes an application system (12) for applying a treatment liquid to the produce. A piston pump (20) is connected in liquid flow receiving communication with a source of treatment liquid (16), and also is connected in liquid flow expelling communication with an application line (18) leading to the application system. A control system (22) controls the operation of the piston pump to pump a selected dosage of the treatment liquid from the source of treatment liquid (16) to the application system (12).