Single-Piece Elastomeric Valve for Rapid Dispenser Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current apparatuses for draining excess solution from cleaning and sanitizing dispensers have long drainage times, large footprints, and are complex and costly, making them inefficient and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A small footprint, single piece three-way elastomeric valve with a moveable first wall and centrally located orifice, slits dividing the wall into wedge-shaped sections, and a drain sealing surface, which automatically opens to drain excess solution when fluid supply is turned off, protecting sensitive components from chemical exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current drainage systems are used to remove excess solution, then drainage function is achieved, but drainage time becomes long and device footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is segmented into multiple drainage channels (first drainage channel and second drainage channel) with corresponding valves, allowing parallel drainage operations that increase overall drainage speed while reducing total drainage time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the drainage process by implementing sequential valve operation - the first valve opens immediately upon fluid supply shutdown, followed by the second valve opening after a predetermined time delay, creating a staged drainage approach that optimizes both speed and time efficiency
2Productivity
If current drainage systems are used, then drainage function is provided, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic valve operation where the first valve responds immediately to fluid supply shutdown, while the second valve operates with a predetermined time delay, creating a dynamic staged drainage sequence that improves efficiency without requiring complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temporal parameter of valve operation by introducing a predetermined time delay between the opening of the first and second valves, optimizing drainage efficiency through parameter adjustment rather than through increased system complexity
3Reliability
If excess solution remains in the dispenser, then device structure is maintained, but chemical exposure risk to sensitive components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary drainage action by opening the first valve immediately upon fluid supply shutdown, initiating the drainage process before chemical exposure can occur, and follows with the second valve to ensure complete drainage and protect sensitive components
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid sequential operation of the two valves with a predetermined time delay creates a rushed drainage process that quickly removes excess solution from the system, minimizing the time window for chemical exposure to sensitive components and enhancing component protection
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 solution enables efficient, quick, and cost-effective drainage of excess solution, minimizing exposure risks to sensitive components and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure created by the flow of fluid on the elastomeric valve deforms the elastomeric valve
Implementation Method 2
a deformable elastomeric valve that deforms upon application of pressure from the flow of fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A drainage component in fluid communication with the fluid supply line includes a drain channel leading to a drain, the drain channel having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall has a sealing surface approximate a three-way elastomeric valve. The elastomeric valve includes a moveable first wall having a first position when the fluid supply is on and a second position when fluid supply is off and a second wall connected to the moveable first wall, the second wall engaging a drain sealing surface when the first wall is in the first position. The elastomeric valve includes an orifice through which fluid may flow. When the pressure of the fluid on the elastomeric element increases, the second wall of the elastomeric valve engages the drain sealing surface. The elastomeric valve is preferably a fluoroelastomer to ensure both flexibility and resistance to a variety of chemical products.