System and method for dissolving detergent tablets or granulate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for dissolving detergent tablets or granulates into a liquid detergent struggle to achieve uniform properties and precise concentration control, leading to inefficiencies in the dissolving process.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a chamber with a colander to ensure all sides of the detergent are exposed to liquid, a measurement device for conductivity monitoring, and a circulation and heating unit to assist the dissolving process, along with motor-controlled valves for concentration adjustment, allows for efficient and uniform detergent liquid production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If detergent tablets or granulate are used instead of liquid concentrate, then transport ease and space consumption are improved, but dissolving efficiency and uniformity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace consumptionVSAvoiddissolving efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the dissolving process into controlled stages using a colander structure that divides the chamber into zones, allowing water to flow through and around the detergent tablets systematically. This segmentation ensures uniform water distribution and prevents clumping, thereby improving dissolving efficiency while maintaining the space-saving benefits of tablet form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A colander acts as an intermediary element between the water supply and detergent tablets. It distributes water evenly across the tablets and prevents direct contact between tablets and chamber bottom, ensuring uniform dissolution. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient dissolving without requiring liquid concentrate format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If water is sprayed towards solid detergent, then dissolving process is simplified, but uniform properties of detergent liquid are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolving process complexityVSAvoiduniformity of detergent liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by positioning the colander with specific aperture patterns to create localized water flow zones. Water is directed to contact different surfaces of tablets uniformly through the colander structure, ensuring consistent dissolution across all tablet surfaces. This localized control of water distribution maintains simple device operation while achieving uniform detergent liquid properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If concentration of liquid concentrate is adjusted freely, then flexibility is improved, but precise concentration control is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcentration adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidconcentration control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a conductivity measurement device that provides real-time feedback on detergent liquid concentration. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust water addition or dissolution time to achieve target concentration levels. The feedback loop maintains precise concentration control while preserving the flexibility to adjust concentrations for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures a uniform detergent liquid with precise concentration control, enhancing the dissolving efficiency and allowing for effective use in cleaning processes.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement device for measuring the conductivity of the detergent liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

said colander ensures a flow around the tablets or granulate and that all sides of the tablet or granulate will be constantly exposed to the liquid in the chamber and liquid flow in the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a circulation unit connected to said chamber and comprising a circulation channel connected to said input opening and output opening on said chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCirculation: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a heating unit for heating the liquid in said chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3194059B1System and method for dissolving detergent tablets or granulate
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 GRAFF PEHRSON VESTERAGER
  • EP3194059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3194059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3194059B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for dissolving at least one detergent tablet or detergent granulate in water and thereby creating a detergent liquid, said system comprising a chamber (103) for dissolving said tablets or granulate, wherein said chamber comprises an opening (105) for receiving said detergent tablet and said water and a detergent liquid outlet (135, 137). The chamber further comprises an inner colander (125) for positioning said at least one tablet or detergent granulate. Thereby, a very efficient dissolving process can be performed, and a uniform detergent liquid is obtained. By positioning the tablets or granulate inside the colander, it is ensured that all sides of the tablet are in contact with the liquid in the chamber.