Sequentially activated multi-diaphragm foam at-a-distance dispenser systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems face inconsistencies in foam output due to variable mixture ratios of liquid and air, primarily caused by inconsistent flow through dispensing tubes and differing pressures required for initial and maintenance fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A sequentially operated multi-diaphragm pump system that separately pumps liquid and air through conduits to a remote mixing chamber, where precise amounts of fluid are dispensed in cycles, ensuring consistent mixing and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid and air are mixed near the pump using conventional dispensing tubes, then the foam can be dispensed at a location away from the pump, but the consistency of the foam output becomes poor due to inconsistent mixture ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the foam generation process into distinct phases by separating liquid and air dispensing into independent pump chambers. Each chamber operates sequentially to deliver precise amounts of liquid followed by air, ensuring consistent mixture ratios at the remote mixing chamber while maintaining simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-delivering a precise amount of liquid into the remote mixing chamber before introducing air. This sequential pre-positioning of liquid ensures that when air is subsequently added, the mixture ratio is consistently controlled, improving foam output consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If air flow and liquid flow are controlled through separate tubes to the mixing chamber, then the mixture ratio can be controlled, but the flow rate becomes inconsistent due to different pressure requirements for initial and maintenance flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action through sequentially operated pump chambers that alternate between liquid dispensing and air dispensing phases. This periodic operation allows each chamber to build sufficient pressure during its active phase, ensuring consistent flow rates for both liquid and air delivery to the mixing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system segments liquid and air flow control into separate, sequentially operated chambers. This segmentation allows independent pressure buildup and flow control for each fluid, eliminating the pressure conflicts that would occur if both fluids were pumped simultaneously through shared pathways.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to dispense both liquid and air, then the device complexity is reduced, but the foam output consistency deteriorates due to inability to control mixture ratio precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system achieves universality by using multiple chambers within a single integrated pump housing. Each chamber is specialized for one function (liquid or air), but the entire assembly operates as a unified multi-functional device that delivers precise liquid-air mixtures, combining simplicity with precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump is segmented into multiple independent chambers that operate sequentially. This internal segmentation allows precise control over liquid and air delivery while maintaining a compact, integrated pump structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and mixture precision.
4Productivity
If pressure is increased to maintain fluid flow through dispensing tubes, then the flow rate is maintained, but the initial movement pressure requirement creates flow rate inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The sequentially operated chambers employ periodic action to build pressure in discrete phases. Each chamber operates independently to generate the necessary pressure for its specific fluid, ensuring consistent flow rates without the pressure fluctuations that would result from attempting to move both liquid and air simultaneously at different pressure requirements.
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 system achieves consistent foam output by delivering discrete doses of liquid and air, improving the quality and stability of the foam product.
Implementation Method 1
The manifold has a first one-way liquid outlet valve secured thereto, a liquid outlet port, an air outlet port, a one-way air outlet valve
Implementation Method 2
a sequentially operated multi-diaphragm pump having a liquid pump chamber, two or more air pump chambers, and a manifold
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary foam dispenser includes a housing, a reservoir for holding a foamable liquid, and a pump located below the reservoir. The pump includes a liquid pump chamber, two or more air pump chamber and a manifold. The manifold includes a liquid outlet port, a liquid outlet valve and an air outlet port. An elongated liquid dispensing conduit in fluid communication with the liquid outlet port and an elongated air dispensing conduit in fluid communication with the air outlet port are also included. A mixing chamber having a mixing chamber liquid inlet, a mixing chamber air inlet, and a foam outlet is provided. The mixing chamber is located remotely from the sequentially operated multi-diaphragm pump. The elongated liquid dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber liquid inlet and the elongated air dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber air inlet.