Rotatable U-Shaped Distributor for High-Flow Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems are limited in their ability to provide variable liquid amounts, have restricted flow rates, and require fixed positioning, making them unsuitable for compact and versatile designs that need to dispense small to large volumes of liquid quickly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A distributor with a U-shaped connection channel fastened to a cylindrical drive wall with teeth, driven by an electric motor, allowing for precise and high-flow liquid distribution to multiple channels without splashing, and featuring a ventilation system for efficient airflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed positioning system is used for liquid dispensing, then the structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to variable liquid amounts and has restricted flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable distributor member that can dynamically change its angular position to selectively connect different discharge channels to the supply channel. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the system to adapt to variable liquid dispensing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a supply channel connector and a discharge channel selector through its rotation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle variable liquid amounts across multiple discharge channels, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact design is used to save space, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the liquid flow rate and dispensing speed are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the supply channel above the discharge channels and using a vertically oriented rotatable distributor member. This three-dimensional arrangement allows compact horizontal footprint while maintaining adequate liquid flow paths, resolving the contradiction between compact design and liquid flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped connection channel provides a curved, optimized flow path that efficiently directs liquid from the supply channel to selected discharge channels. This curved geometry maximizes flow efficiency within the compact space, allowing high liquid flow rates without increasing the apparatus footprint.
3Productivity
If high liquid flow rates are achieved, then dispensing speed increases, but liquid may splash over the edges of discharge channels
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped connection channel design converts the potential harmful effect of high flow velocity into a beneficial feature. The curved U-shape guides the high-velocity liquid flow smoothly along its path, utilizing centrifugal force and flow adhesion to prevent splashing while maintaining high dispensing speeds. The geometry transforms what could be a splashing hazard into an efficient flow guidance mechanism.
4Extent of automation
If manual operation is used for channel switching, then the device is simple, but automation and precision control are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor that drives the rotatable distributor member through a drive shaft. This substitution provides automated and precise control of channel switching while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. The motorized system enables programmable dispensing amounts and speeds, significantly increasing automation without excessive complexity.
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
Enables high-flow rate liquid distribution with precise control and compact design, allowing for efficient use of space and flexible dispensing of liquids from 0.1 to 1.8 liters in a short time, suitable for various drink preparation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical drive wall 42 with a longitudinal axis lying in the extension of the central axis, which drive wall is provided along an upper side with teeth 43 which act on a drive member for rotation of the U-shaped connection channel
Implementation Method 2
the liquid is diverted even at relatively high speeds and in the direction away from the supply channel toward the discharge channels, without the liquid being able to flow or splash over the edge of the discharge channels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Distributor (5) with at least two discharge channels (10,16) which are positioned at the same distance from a central axis (13), parallel to this axis, a supply channel (11) and a distributor member (12,17,18) which is rotatable about the axis and has a supply end (12') positioned along the axis and a discharge end (12' ') which is set radially apart therefrom and can be brought by rotation of the distributor member selectively into fluid connection with the respective discharge channels, characterized in that the liquid supply channel extends along the central axis and along the discharge channels, the distributor member comprising a U- shaped connection channel which is placed at the supply end rotatably in the extension of the supply channel and can be placed at the discharge end in fluid connection with the respective discharge channels.