Method for increasing dissolution of solid chemistry blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbulent flow technology in dispensers has limitations in adjusting solution concentration and water usage, particularly when dealing with harder solid chemical blocks, such as rinse aids and healthcare enzymes, leading to inefficient dissolution and increased water consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of pressurized air into the system to displace water, allowing for adjustable gas and liquid interaction with solid chemistry blocks, thereby enhancing solution concentration and reducing water volume while maintaining spray pressure and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If turbulent flow technology uses harder solid chemical blocks to increase durability, then the dispenser reliability improves, but the solution concentration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic system that delivers compressed air through a nozzle directly onto the solid chemical block. This pneumatic attack complements the hydraulic spray, enabling the harder blocks to dissolve effectively while maintaining high solution concentration. The air stream erodes the block surface and facilitates rapid dissolution, resolving the contradiction between block hardness and concentration capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If spraying liquid onto solid product to dissolve it, then the dissolution process is simple, but the dispenser size increases due to additional space requirements for nozzles and basin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pneumatic and hydraulic systems into a single integrated dissolution chamber. The compressed air nozzle and liquid spray mechanism share the same spatial envelope, eliminating the need for separate basins and reducing overall dispenser volume. This combined approach maintains operational simplicity while compacting the device footprint.
3Productivity
If increasing water pressure and temperature to enhance dissolution, then the dissolution rate improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system provides a mechanical dissolution mechanism that reduces reliance on thermal and pressure-driven dissolution. Compressed air erodes the block surface and facilitates dissolution through mechanical action rather than thermal energy, thereby improving dissolution rate while reducing energy consumption compared to purely hydraulic-thermal approaches.
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 approach increases solution concentration by 2-3 times and reduces water usage by at least 25%, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the dispensing process while maintaining system reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a combination of pressurized air into the system to displace water, allowing for real-time adjustments of liquid and gas characteristics to enhance solution concentration
Implementation Method 2
The use of air and water combination increases solution concentration by 2-3 times and reduces water volume by at least 25%, addressing the limitations of turbulent flow technology
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for obtaining a product chemistry from a solid block is provided. The product is housed within a dispenser, which utilizes a liquid and a gas to erode the block and produce a concentrate solution. The liquid and gas characteristics can be adjusted in the field to achieve a predetermined concentrate level in the solution. The introduction of air into the dispenser saves water, while producing higher concentrate levels.