Solid-Product Dispenser with Thermal Valve for Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispenser systems face challenges in maintaining a consistent concentration of solutions formed by dissolving solid products in liquids, as temperature and pressure variations affect the dissolution process, leading to concentration imbalances and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser equipped with a thermal valve assembly that automatically adjusts the flow rate of diluting liquid based on temperature changes, independent of pressure, to maintain a steady solution concentration by varying the amount of diluting liquid added to the collection zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature of the liquid is increased to improve dissolution rate, then the erosion rate of solid product chemistry increases, but the concentration of the formed solution becomes higher than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensing to detect liquid temperature and automatically adjusts the flow rate of diluting liquid through a thermal valve assembly. This feedback mechanism ensures that when temperature increases causing higher erosion rates, additional diluting liquid is introduced to maintain the desired solution concentration within the collection zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of diluting liquid based on temperature variations. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system compensates for temperature-induced changes in erosion rate, maintaining consistent solution concentration despite temperature fluctuations.
2Speed
If the pressure of the make-up liquid is increased to improve flow rate, then more liquid is introduced to the solution, but the concentration of the solution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal valve assembly incorporates pressure compensation mechanisms that respond to pressure variations. The system senses pressure changes and adjusts the diluting liquid flow rate accordingly, ensuring that pressure increases do not result in excessive liquid introduction and concentration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies counteracting control to offset the effects of pressure variations. When liquid pressure increases, the system introduces additional diluting liquid to counterbalance the concentration reduction effect, maintaining the desired solution concentration.
3Quantity of substance
If additional diluting liquid is added to counteract high temperature erosion, then the solution concentration is maintained, but it is difficult to correctly determine the appropriate amount of liquid to add
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal valve assembly is designed to automatically adjust diluting liquid flow based on temperature sensing without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The valve self-regulates by responding directly to temperature changes, simplifying the control process while maintaining accurate solution concentration.
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 thermal valve assembly ensures a consistently stable solution concentration by automatically adjusting the diluting liquid flow rate in response to temperature changes, mitigating the effects of temperature and pressure variations, thereby maintaining the desired concentration of the solution.
Implementation Method 1
thermal valve assembly that automatically adjusts the flow rate of diluting liquid based on temperature changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.