Dispenser and solution dispensing method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solution dispensers lack control over the amount of chemistry intermixed with water, leading to undesirable chemistry concentrations in the output solution, which can increase costs and affect the efficacy of applications such as warewashing or laundry, and require a dedicated plumbed water feed line, increasing user burden.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a solid product holder and dock that allows for adjustable liquid intake through a movable plate mechanism, enabling precise control over chemistry concentration and allowing operation without a dedicated water feed line by using existing liquid sources within the use device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dispenser uses a plumbed water feed line to mix concentrated chemistry with water, then the dispenser can produce a solution, but the user burden increases due to installation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water feed line requirement from the dispenser system entirely. The dispenser is designed to operate without a dedicated water feed line, instead utilizing water already present in the washing machine drum or spray arms to dissolve the solid chemistry product. This eliminates the complexity of plumbing installation and maintenance while maintaining the solution mixing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to work with the existing water delivery system of the washing machine rather than requiring a dedicated feed line. The solid product holder is positioned to be accessible by water from various sources within the machine (drum, spray arms), making the dispenser universally compatible with the machine's existing water distribution infrastructure.
2Productivity
If the dispenser outputs a solution with greater concentration of chemistry, then the chemistry dissolves faster, but the chemistry is used up quicker and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser employs a movable plate mechanism that can adjust the open area through which water enters the solid product holder. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize the water-to-chemistry ratio, controlling the dissolution rate to match the desired chemistry consumption rate. By adjusting the open area, the system can slow down dissolution when chemistry needs to be conserved or speed it up when faster action is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of water flow area by moving the plate to different positions. This parameter change directly controls the amount of water contacting the solid chemistry at any given time, thereby controlling the dissolution rate and chemistry consumption rate to optimize both productivity and substance loss.
3Loss of substance
If the dispenser outputs a solution with lesser concentration of chemistry, then costs are reduced, but the application may not be performed as desired
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate mechanism enables dynamic control of water intake, allowing the system to adjust chemistry release rates to match application requirements. This ensures that sufficient chemistry is delivered to maintain application efficacy while avoiding excessive consumption that would waste resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through a transparent portion of the solid product holder that allows users to monitor chemistry levels. This feedback mechanism helps users understand when chemistry is being consumed and when refilling is needed, ensuring continuous effective operation while managing chemistry usage efficiently.
4Device complexity
If the dispenser uses a fixed open area for liquid intake, then the structure is simpler, but the control over chemistry concentration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable plate that can be positioned at different locations relative to the solid product holder, creating variable open areas for water intake. This dynamic structure, while slightly more complex than a fixed design, provides precise control over the amount of water contacting the chemistry, thereby enabling accurate control of chemistry concentration in the output solution.
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 provides more effective control over chemistry concentration, reducing costs and user burden by allowing adjustable chemistry release and utilizing existing liquid sources within the use device, enhancing the efficiency and optimization of solution dispensing for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
creating a solution by dissolving a solid product with a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a dock configured to be fixed in place at a use device and a solid product holder configured to be removably secured to the dock. The dock has a first portion including a fixation element that is configured to fix the dock in place at the use device and a second portion including a receiving structure. The solid product holder includes a retaining structure, a base, and a support structure. The retaining structure is configured to removably secure the solid product holder to the receiving structure at the second portion of the dock. The base defines a plurality of apertures that form an open area at which the liquid is received at the solid product holder. The support structure extends from the base and defines an internal volume for holding the solid product at the solid product holder.