Sprayer System with Integrated Mixing for Concentrate Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for household cleaning require multiple bottles and containers for different cleaning supplies, leading to space inefficiencies and environmental waste due to packaging, and consumers must manually mix concentrated substances with water, which is time-consuming and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A sprayer system with a refillable solvent reservoir positioned above a trigger sprayer and a bottle of concentrated substance, allowing for automatic mixing of the exact amount of concentrate with solvent at the point of use, reducing storage space and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If concentrated dispensable substances are sold in separate packages requiring manual mixing, then storage space is reduced, but the consumer must spend additional time and effort mixing the concentrate with water
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the mixing operation automatically without requiring consumer intervention. The sprayer mechanism draws concentrate from the bottle and solvent from the reservoir, automatically combines them in the mixing chamber, and dispenses the mixture. This self-service approach eliminates the time and effort the consumer would otherwise spend on manual mixing while maintaining reduced storage space benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the mixing components in advance by storing concentrate in a sealed bottle and solvent in a separate reservoir, both ready for use. The concentrate bottle is pre-filled and sealed to preserve the concentrate until use, while the solvent reservoir is pre-positioned and ready to be filled. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for consumer mixing actions while maintaining space efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If concentrated dispensable substances are mixed in advance in separate containers, then the substance is ready for use, but additional storage space and disposal requirements are created
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the concentrate bottle and solvent reservoir into a single integrated sprayer assembly. The mixing chamber is incorporated within the sprayer mechanism, combining previously separate functions (storage and mixing) into one unit. This merging maintains readiness for use while eliminating the need for separate pre-mixed containers and reducing overall storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprayer mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores concentrate in the bottle, stores solvent in the reservoir, performs the mixing operation, and dispenses the final mixture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pre-mixed containers while maintaining ease of operation, as the single sprayer unit handles all aspects of the cleaning solution preparation and delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual bottles of dispensable substances are used, then each substance serves its specific purpose, but significant shelf space and storage space are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system is designed to accommodate different concentrate bottles for various cleaning purposes (furniture cleaner, bathroom cleaner, air freshener, etc.). The universal sprayer mechanism can work with any concentrate bottle that fits the attachment interface, providing versatile cleaning functionality while occupying only one storage location instead of multiple individual bottles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the cleaning solution into two separate components: concentrate (in replaceable bottles) and solvent (in a refillable reservoir). This segmentation allows the solvent reservoir to be reused across multiple concentrate types, reducing overall storage needs. Each concentrate bottle serves a specific purpose, but the shared solvent reservoir and sprayer mechanism eliminate the need for separate pre-mixed containers for each cleaning type.
4Ease of operation
If individual bottles of dispensable substances are used, then convenience is provided, but environmental waste due to packaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables recovery and reuse of the solvent reservoir, which is the largest packaging component. Instead of disposing of the entire bottle after use, the consumer discards only the smaller concentrate bottle and refills and reuses the solvent reservoir with different concentrates. This recovering approach significantly reduces packaging waste while maintaining the convenience of having cleaning solutions readily available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the cleaning solution by allowing the consumer to use the same solvent reservoir with different concentrate bottles. This parameter change enables versatility in cleaning functions without requiring separate packaging for each cleaning type. The concentrate bottles are designed to be disposable while the solvent reservoir is designed for reuse, optimizing the balance between convenience and waste reduction.
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 minimizes storage and shelf space, reduces waste, and provides an efficient, user-friendly method for cleaning by automatically mixing the correct amount of cleaning solution, enhancing convenience and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a pump mechanism positioned between the solvent reservoir and the bottle, in fluid communication with both, to draw a precise amount of the concentrate from the bottle and the solvent from the reservoir and mix the concentrate and the solvent to form a dispensable mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A sprayer system includes a trigger sprayer having a trigger, a pump mechanism, and a nozzle. The sprayer system further includes a solvent reservoir for accommodating a solvent substance and a bottle for accommodating a concentrate substance. Further, the solvent reservoir is positioned above the trigger sprayer and is in fluid communication with the trigger sprayer and the bottle is positioned below the trigger sprayer and is in fluid communication with the trigger sprayer.