Thermal Expansion Agent Dispenser for Controlled Iodine Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agent dispensers face challenges in controlling the introduction of agents into fluids with random flow rates, particularly in water treatment systems where debris can clog the dispenser, reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An agent dispenser with a hollow casing made of material having a different coefficient of cubical expansion than the fluid, equipped with a filter membrane at the opening to prevent debris entry, uses thermal expansion and contraction to control the introduction of agents into the fluid, ensuring controlled and efficient delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter membrane with small pore size is used to prevent debris entry, then the reliability of the dispenser is improved, but the fluid flow rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris preventionVSAvoidfluid flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by using a filter membrane with specifically controlled pore size that balances debris filtration with adequate fluid flow. The membrane's pore structure is optimized to allow sufficient iodine solution passage while blocking debris particles, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the hollow casing material has a coefficient of cubical expansion different from the fluid, then the controlled release of agent is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled release rateVSAvoidmaterial selection constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies thermal expansion principles by selecting a hollow casing material with a coefficient of cubical expansion different from the iodine solution. This differential expansion with temperature changes creates controlled pressure variations that regulate the release rate of the iodine agent, achieving precise control without complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dispenser operates in water with random flow intervals, then the adaptability to water treatment systems is improved, but the control precision of agent introduction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandom flow responseVSAvoidagent introduction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser operates autonomously by utilizing natural temperature fluctuations and the differential thermal expansion between the hollow casing and iodine solution. The system self-regulates the agent release rate in response to random water flow intervals without requiring external control mechanisms, maintaining adaptability while preserving control precision through passive thermal regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively introduces agents, such as iodine, into water treatment systems at a controlled rate, preventing bacterial growth and contamination by utilizing temperature fluctuations to manage fluid flow and prevent clogging, ensuring efficient and safe water treatment.

Implementation Method 1

variations in the internal pressure of the dispenser resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the dispenser and its contents caused by variations in the temperature of the fluid surrounding the dispenser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

The second end of the tube is provided with a filter membrane having a defined pore size to prevent any debris which may be present in the fluid from blocking the second end or entering the hollow casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11739013B2Apparatus for introducing an agent into a liquid or gas at a controlled rate

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 NORTHERN WATER CLEANERS

AI summary

The present invention provides an agent dispenser for use in introducing an agent into a fluid where the agent is miscible with such fluid. The agent dispenser comprises a hollow casing constructed of a material having a coefficient of cubical expansion that differs from the coefficient of cubical expansion of the fluid. At least one opening is provided in the hollow casing for permitting the flow of the fluid to and from the interior of the hollow casing. The opening is provided with a tube sealed in the opening, one end of the tube being contained within the hollow casing and the second end of the tube being exterior to the hollow casing for communication with the surrounding fluid. The second end of the tube is provided with a filter membrane having a defined pore size to prevent any debris which may be present in the fluid from blocking the second end or entering the hollow casing. The dispenser contains the agent and the agent is introduced into the fluid through fluid drawn into and expelled from said dispenser as a result of variations in the internal pressure of the dispenser resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the dispenser and its contents caused by variations in the temperature of the fluid surrounding the dispenser.