Freestanding Solid Product Dispenser with Fluid Diverter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solution-forming devices require frequent product replacement and backflow prevention, adding complexity and cost, especially in potable water systems where hazardous solutions need to be prevented from re-entering the supply.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding product dispenser with a fluid diverter system that directs fluid around the solid product, allowing for controlled solution formation and output, and includes features like pegs and a V-shaped hull for uniform dissolution and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a freestanding dispenser design is used, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating product replacement and backflow prevention needs, but device complexity increases due to the integrated fluid diverter system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fluid diversion, product holding, solution formation, and backflow prevention) into a single integrated freestanding dispenser unit. The fluid diverter is merged with the product guide and reaction chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate backflow prevention devices and product replacement mechanisms found in traditional in-line systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a fluid diverter that automatically prevents backflow into the water supply and a reaction chamber that continuously forms solution without requiring manual product replacement. The system serves itself by maintaining solution formation autonomously.
2Productivity
If fluid is continuously supplied through an in-line system, then productivity is improved by constant solution availability, but loss of substance increases due to unwanted solution formation when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solid product from the main fluid flow path by placing it in a separate reaction chamber. The fluid diverter redirects fluid around the product guide, allowing product replacement without shutting off water supply. Solution formation occurs only when product is present in the reaction chamber, preventing waste when product is depleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts solution formation based on product presence. When solid product is in the reaction chamber, fluid is diverted to form solution; when product is depleted, the fluid diverter naturally routes fluid away from the empty product guide, automatically stopping solution formation without requiring system shutdown.
3Reliability
If backflow prevention devices are added to in-line systems, then reliability is improved by preventing hazardous solution backflow, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding backflow prevention devices to stop solution from flowing back into the water supply, the patent inverts the approach by using the fluid flow itself to prevent backflow. The fluid diverter is positioned and shaped so that incoming fluid flow naturally directs solution away from the water supply inlet, making backflow prevention inherent to the flow dynamics rather than requiring additional mechanical prevention devices.
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 easy, cost-effective, and repeatable solution creation with controlled concentration, reducing the need for frequent product replacement and backflow prevention, while maintaining solution quality and preventing hazardous backflow into water supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a solution formed from a solid product and a fluid that has contacted the solid product
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dispensing a solution of a solid product in a fluid. A freestanding apparatus comprises an inlet portion through which fluid enters, a reaction portion in which the fluid encounters and dissolves the product to form a solution, and an outlet portion from which the solution exits the apparatus. Fluid may encounter the product from a single direction or multiple directions, and from the top or the bottom. The apparatus can include a fluid diverter for directing fluid to the desired portion of the solid product. The apparatus may be configured to receive a particularly shaped solid product, and may comprise a lid or gate to prevent fluid from contacting the product undesirably.