Volume Meter Discharge Device Branch Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volume counters for closed stills face challenges in thoroughly mixing liquids while being simple to manufacture, leading to inaccuracies in volume measurement and alcohol content determination due to varying concentrations and potential air bubble formation.

Innovation Solution

A volume counter design with a discharge device that includes a branch for separating liquid and a sample receiving device, utilizing a valve to control the flow and prevent air bubbles, and a taring pin for precise calibration, along with a congestion indicator to prevent manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a mixing container is connected upstream of the volume container to carry out additional thorough mixing, then the mixing of the alcohol/water mixture is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing of liquidVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge device is combined with a branch that leads to a sample receiving device, merging the discharge function with sample collection function. This integration allows thorough mixing during discharge while enabling sample extraction without requiring a separate mixing container upstream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume container itself performs the mixing function during the discharge process through turbulence and flow patterns, eliminating the need for a separate mixing container. The system uses its own discharge mechanism to achieve thorough mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a branch with sample receiving device is added to separate part of the liquid, then the sample volume measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample volume measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge device serves multiple functions: it discharges liquid from the volume container, provides mixing through the discharge process, and includes a branch with sample receiving device for precise sample volume measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge device is segmented into a main discharge path and a branched path leading to the sample receiving device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the volume container is emptied through the drain device, then the volume measurement cycle is completed, but air bubbles may form affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume measurement cycle speedVSAvoidvolume measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to prevent air bubbles from forming during rapid discharge, the system design accepts that air bubbles may form but ensures they do not affect the measurement. The discharge process is designed to complete the volume measurement cycle quickly, and the sample is taken from the liquid phase where air bubbles are excluded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Ensures thorough mixing and precise volume measurement with reduced risk of air bubbles and manipulation, enhancing the accuracy of volume and alcohol content determination.

Implementation Method 1

During the transition from the volume container to the liquid line, which z. B. have different cross sections, turbulence can occur regularly, which allow mixing of the liquid.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2527798B1Volume meter
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 ARNOLD HOLSTEIN
  • EP2527798B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The volume meter (1) has a discharge device (12) for draining a liquid from the volume containers (6), where a liquid line is provided in the drainage device, through which the liquid is flowed. The discharge device is comprised of a branch duct (14) of the liquid line to separate out a portion of the liquid. The branch duct of a sample collection device (15) is provided in the discharge device for receiving a defined sample volume. A valve (10) is provided between the volume container and the branch, where the sample collection device is positioned in the branch.