Two-part fluid delivery systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser systems, particularly soap dispensers, often fail to achieve high bacterial kill efficacy and require thorough mixing of concentrates with liquids to prevent skin irritation, which is not consistently achieved.
Innovation Solution
A two-part fluid delivery system comprising a foamable liquid container, a concentrate container, an air source, and a mixing chamber with baffles to create turbulence, ensuring thorough mixing and safe foam dispensing, while incorporating sensors and interlock logic for safety and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentrates are mixed with liquids in existing dispensers, then bacterial kill efficacy should be improved, but mixing is not thorough enough causing skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery into separate concentrate and liquid streams that are maintained distinct until the moment of mixing, ensuring complete separation of potentially irritating concentrate from skin contact while guaranteeing thorough mixing with liquid before dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mixing mechanism where concentrate and liquid are forced through closely spaced co-sprayers or static mixers that create intense turbulence and ensure complete mixing before the combined stream contacts the user, preventing skin irritation while achieving bacterial kill efficacy
2Ease of operation
If foam is created by injecting air into liquid, then user experience is improved, but mixing consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mixing of concentrate and liquid through the co-sprayer or static mixer mechanism before air is introduced, ensuring that the liquid and concentrate are already thoroughly combined when foam generation begins, thus maintaining mixing consistency while still creating pleasant foam texture
3Reliability
If two-part fluid delivery system is implemented, then product quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested cartridge design where concentrate cartridges are housed within or alongside liquid cartridges, with both nested within the main dispenser body. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact hierarchical structure, enhancing product quality through consistent two-part mixing while minimizing overall device complexity and footprint
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 effectively mixes concentrates with liquids to create a rich, safe foam with enhanced bacterial kill efficacy, preventing skin irritation and ensuring consistent product quality by using baffles for turbulence and sensors for safety interlocks.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing chamber with baffles to create turbulence, ensuring thorough mixing
Implementation Method 2
injecting air into a liquid to create a foamy mixture of liquid and air bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary dispensers, pumps and refill units for dispensing a liquid soap and concentrate mixtures are disclosed herein. An exemplary foam dispenser system includes a foamable liquid container, a concentrate container, an air source for providing pressurized air and a mixing chamber. One or more liquid conduits place the contents of the foamable liquid container in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. One or more air passages place the air source in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. An outlet conduit out of the mixing chamber is also provided. One or more concentrate conduits place the contents of the concentrate container in fluid communication with one of the liquid conduits, the air conduits, the mixing chamber and the outlet conduit. Mix media located within the outlet conduit.