Portable Heated Liquid Dispenser Without Boiler Pressure Instability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing heated liquid or steam in portable devices are inefficient, requiring boilers that suffer from pressure issues, leading to frequent failures and the need for constant re-calibration, and often rely on non-portable power sources like generators, which are noisy and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A portable liquid dispensing apparatus using a battery-powered heating system with a coiled copper pipe, where the temperature of the fluid is controlled by varying the flow rate, pipe diameter, or voltage, allowing for efficient generation of heated liquid or steam without the need for mains electricity or flammable gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a boiler-based heating system is used to generate steam, then steam can be produced, but the system suffers from pressure fluctuations causing frequent failures and requiring constant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from a complex boiler system and implements it using a simpler immersion heater directly in the water reservoir. This eliminates the steam generation boiler and associated pressure management systems, while still achieving the desired effect of heating liquid for dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam generation system with an electrical heating system. Instead of using a boiler to generate steam through thermal expansion and pressure build-up, the system uses an immersion heater to directly heat the liquid, which is then pumped and dispensed without requiring complex pressure management.
2Quantity of substance
If a boiler system heats large volumes of water (2-5 litres) to generate sufficient steam, then enough steam is available for cleaning, but the heating process becomes very slow and requires considerable power
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating large volumes of water to generate steam, the system heats a smaller volume of liquid to a higher temperature using an immersion heater. The heated liquid is then pumped under pressure to deliver the thermal energy where needed, achieving effective cleaning with less total water and faster heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pump to pressurize and deliver the heated liquid through a dispensing nozzle. This hydraulic system allows the heated liquid to be projected at high velocity onto surfaces, concentrating the thermal energy delivery and achieving effective cleaning without needing to heat large volumes of water.
3Stress or pressure
If traditional steam machines use ever-changing water volumes in the reservoir, then the system operates, but consistent pressure cannot be maintained causing frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump with a flow sensor or pressure sensor to monitor and regulate the delivery of heated liquid. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent pressure and flow rate are maintained during dispensing, allowing continuous operation without interruptions for pressure build-up or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid is pre-heated in the reservoir using an immersion heater before being pumped and dispensed. This preliminary heating action ensures the liquid is already at the required temperature when delivered, eliminating the need for continuous pressure adjustments and enabling uninterrupted operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If LPG/propane gas canisters are used to heat liquid and produce steam, then portable steam generation is achieved, but the system uses flammable gases creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the use of flammable LPG/propane gases by replacing them with an electrical immersion heater. This substitution removes the fire hazard associated with using flammable gases in a portable device, while still achieving the function of heating liquid for dispensing. The electrical heating element provides a safe, controlled heat source without the risks of gas leaks or explosions.
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
This solution provides a reliable, portable, and efficient means of generating heated liquid or steam, reducing waiting times and chemical usage, while eliminating the risks associated with flammable gases and noisy generators, and is suitable for various cleaning tasks including gum removal and weed killing.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-powered heating system with a coiled copper pipe, where the temperature of the fluid is controlled
Implementation Method 2
This technology involves pumping a pre mixed chemical into a 6mm stainless steel pipe
Implementation Method 3
The water that is heated in the boiler chamber is converted to vapour / steam stage
Implementation Method 4
The water that is heated in the boiler chamber is converted to vapour / steam stage then pumped through to a lance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A portable liquid dispensing apparatus is described, which comprises a battery, a heating element, a liquid reservoir, a pump, an outlet, and a pipe, extending from the reservoir to the outlet and passing adjacent the heating element. In operation, the pump drives liquid from the reservoir into and through the pipe while the power source causes the heating element to heat the liquid passing through the portion of the pipe adjacent to the heating element to be expelled from the outlet at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature.