Freestanding Solid Product Dispenser with Fluid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solution-forming devices require frequent product replacement and costly modifications to prevent unwanted solution formation and backflow, especially in potable water systems, adding complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding solid product dispenser with a fluid inlet, reaction portion, and outlet, featuring a product guide, pegs for supporting the product, and a hull for even fluid flow, which controls fluid contact and dissolution, preventing backflow and ensuring consistent solution concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a freestanding dispenser design is used, then ease of operation and ease of manufacture are improved, but device complexity increases compared to in-line systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into distinct functional segments: an inlet portion for fluid entry, a reaction portion for solution formation, and an outlet portion for dispensing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser design allows the solid product to automatically dissolve in the fluid as it flows through the reaction portion, eliminating the need for manual mixing or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the solution formation process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If backflow prevention devices are added to potable water systems, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful backflow effect is extracted and contained within the sealed reaction portion of the dispenser. The design inherently prevents backflow into the potable water supply by directing fluid flow unidirectionally through the dissolution chamber, eliminating the need for additional backflow prevention devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If in-line systems are used with continuous fluid flow, then solution formation is consistent, but unwanted solution formation occurs when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser design allows the solid product to be easily removed from the reaction portion when solution formation is not desired. The dynamic configuration enables quick product removal without requiring system shutdown or complex routing changes, preventing unwanted solution formation while maintaining consistency when in use.
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 dispenser provides an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and repeatable means for creating solutions of desired concentrations, reducing product replacement and system modifications while preventing hazardous backflow into water supplies.
Implementation Method 1
fluid will travel through the device whether a solution is desired or not. To prevent unwanted solution formation
Implementation Method 2
The fluid, then, may flow through the pegs and underneath the product, dissolving it from underneath
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 product from a single direction or multiple directions. 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.