Floating Pool Sanitizer Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating chemical dispensers for pool and spa water are prone to inadvertent chemical spills and lack child-resistant mechanisms, as their closing mechanisms can open during handling and shipping, and existing solutions like shrink wrap are not reusable or effective.
Innovation Solution
A floating chemical dispenser with a locking device that prevents the end cap from rotating unintentionally, featuring a retaining device with tab portions that require simultaneous pressing to unlock, and a design that allows for child-resistant operation, ensuring the chemical remains contained until intended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closing mechanism is used to seal the container opening, then chemical release is prevented during handling, but the mechanism is susceptible to opening during packing and shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-securing the closing mechanism with shrink wrap film or tape before the dispenser is placed in use. This preliminary securing action prevents the closing mechanism from opening during packing and shipping, addressing the reliability issue without requiring a complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses shrink wrap film or tape as a disposable securing method. These cheap, single-use materials effectively prevent accidental opening during handling but are discarded after use, allowing the closing mechanism to remain simple while providing adequate protection during transit.
2Reliability
If shrink wrap film or tape is used to secure the closing mechanism, then inadvertent opening is prevented, but the solution is not reusable and leaves the closure unprotected once removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the limitation of disposable securing materials (shrink wrap film or tape) by designing the system to be simple and cost-effective. The disposable nature of these materials is acknowledged as a trade-off for maintaining a simple, non-complex closing mechanism that doesn't require reusable locking components.
3Ease of operation
If the floating dispenser tips over when empty, then users are notified to replace it, but the center of gravity must be asymmetrical which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the floating dispenser's design by positioning the center of gravity off-center. This asymmetric configuration causes the dispenser to tip over when the chemical is exhausted, providing a clear visual notification to users without requiring additional electronic or mechanical notification systems.
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 locking device effectively prevents chemical spills and ensures safe, child-resistant operation, maintaining the chemical in a closed position until intentionally released, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a float (12) positioned at an upper end of the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
The container can include an open top for receiving the chemical and a closed bottom. The container also defines at least one aperture positioned to receive water from the outside environment for combining with a chemical and dispensing the chemical into the body of water.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A floating chemical dispenser is disclosed that is configured to dispense a chemical into a body of water, such as pool water. The chemical dispenser includes a float attached to a container. The container contains a chemical composition, such as a chlorine source. The container also defines an aperture that allows water to enter the container at a controlled rate. When the dispenser is placed in a body of water, water enters the container and gradually dissolves and releases the chemical. An end cap is position on the container and rotates between a closed position and at least one chemical dispensing position. The end cap further includes a locking device that locks the end cap into a closed position to prevent inadvertent release of the chemical.