Variable Flow Concentration Dispenser with Movable Aperture Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eductor dispensers for diluted liquid products are limited by fixed venturi apertures, requiring multiple moving parts and external controls, which increases complexity and maintenance needs, and are not easily adjustable for varying concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring an elongated channel with a movable insert having multiple apertures of varying sizes, allowing the concentrated liquid to be drawn into a carrier fluid stream at different rates by adjusting the flow rate of the input fluid, reducing the need for external controls and moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts and external controls are used to adjust venturi aperture size, then concentration adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert is segmented into multiple apertures of different sizes within a single component. By moving the entire insert to different positions, each aperture can be selectively aligned with the concentrate liquid flow path, providing concentration adjustment without requiring multiple separate control mechanisms for each aperture size.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable insert serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the venturi structure and the concentration control mechanism. A single component with multiple aperture sizes replaces what would traditionally require separate control valves and actuators, making one element perform multiple functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seals are used to control internal moving parts, then concentration adjustment is enabled, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrate liquid flow path is merged with the movable insert structure itself. The insert moves within the elongated channel in a way that maintains sealing through the channel walls rather than requiring separate seals on the insert. This integration reduces the number of seal locations from multiple points to minimal or no seals on the movable component.
3Device complexity
If fixed venturi aperture size is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but concentration variability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The venturi aperture size is made dynamic through the movable insert that can be positioned at different locations along the elongated channel. Each position aligns a different aperture size with the concentrate liquid flow, allowing the system to adapt aperture size dynamically without changing the basic simple structure of the dispenser body.
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
This design simplifies the eductor dispenser by reducing the number of moving parts and seals, lowering costs while allowing for adjustable concentrations of the diluted product, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi is in at least one of the elongated channel, the transverse intersecting channel and the movable insert to cause a reduced pressure at the aligned liquid reservoir aperture and the at least one of the plurality of apertures of the movable insert whereby a liquid in the liquid reservoir is drawn up into the intersecting channel and into the input fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
The dispenser comprises an eductor for the drawing of a concentrate fluid from a liquid reservoir container into an input carrier fluid by means of the flow of the other fluid utilizing a venturi effect. In this dispenser the concentration of the concentrate fluid in the input fluid can be varied to differing preset amounts. The dispenser contains an elongated channel having an input for the input fluid and dispensing nozzle at an exit end for dispensing the chemical concentrate fluid in a diluted form. There is a transverse intersecting channel intermediate the input end and the exit end. The transverse intersecting channel has an insert that is moveable in the intersecting channel, apertures of the moveable insert being alignable with apertures in the transverse intersecting channel and the liquid reservoir container holding the concentrate fluid. One aperture is in alignment with the elongated channel and another aperture in alignment with a channel from the liquid reservoir container. The channels from the liquid reservoir container will have a plurality of various sized apertures to provide for the flow of differing amounts of chemical concentrate fluid into the input fluid at a given input fluid flow rate. This results in a product stream of the input fluid diluted to a set concentration. By adjusting the moveable insert in the transverse intersecting channel and/or the input fluid flow rate the concentration of the chemical concentrate in the product fluid is changed.