Water Dispenser Recirculation Circuit for Bacterial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking water distributors face issues with bacterial proliferation due to stagnant water and high temperatures, particularly in non-refrigerated areas, leading to biofilm formation and potential health risks, despite the use of activated carbon filters which remove chlorine and promote bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A system with a hydraulic circuit that includes a second dispensing solenoid valve with a recirculation function, allowing chilled or carbonated water to be reintroduced into the circuit, maintaining a bacteriostatic temperature of 4°C and reducing staticity, combined with sanitization means like activated carbon filters and germicidal lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If activated carbon filters are installed to remove chlorine and refine water, then water taste and quality are improved, but bacterial proliferation is promoted due to removal of biocidal chlorine
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of water to 4°C before dispensing, creating a bacteriostatic environment that prevents bacterial growth. This preliminary action addresses the harmful effect of bacterial proliferation that results from chlorine removal by the activated carbon filter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of water to 4°C, which is the optimal temperature for inhibiting bacterial growth. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining water quality through filtration while simultaneously creating conditions unfavorable for bacterial proliferation.
2Loss of energy
If water is kept static in the hydraulic circuit during low use periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but bacterial growth and biofilm formation are encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous recirculation of chilled water through the hydraulic circuit, ensuring that water remains in motion and does not become static. This continuous action prevents bacterial growth and biofilm formation while the recirculation path is designed to minimize energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic flushing cycles where water is circulated at higher velocities at specific intervals to prevent biofilm formation. This periodic action maintains hygiene while keeping overall energy consumption low by not requiring continuous high-velocity flow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If recirculation of chilled water is implemented to prevent bacterial growth, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional solenoid valves and piping
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation solenoid valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the recirculation flow for hygiene purposes and the dispensing flow when combined with other valves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the recirculation circuit with the existing dispensing circuit, allowing shared use of piping and components. By combining functions rather than creating entirely separate systems, the increase in complexity is minimized while still achieving the hygiene benefit of continuous water circulation.
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 inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation by maintaining low temperatures and reducing water stagnation, enhancing hygiene and safety in drinking water dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration unit (7)
Implementation Method 2
a pump (4) connected downstream of said inlet solenoid valve
Implementation Method 3
a water inlet solenoid valve (2) in the circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Drinking water distributor device provided with a hydraulic circuit comprising a water inlet solenoid valve (2) in said circuit, a pump (4) connected downstream of said inlet solenoid valve (2), a first dispensing solenoid valve (6) connected downstream of said pump (4) and a second dispensing solenoid valve (8), a refrigeration unit (7), a collector (9) and a dispensing nozzle (10) connected downstream of said collector (9), said first and second dispensing solenoid valves (6, 8) each having a first outlet (6', 8') in connection with said nozzle (10) through said collector (9), said first dispensing solenoid valve being provided with a second outlet (6'') in connection with the inlet of said second dispensing solenoid valve (8) through the refrigeration unit (7), such that said first and second dispensing solenoid valves (6, 8) are configured to provide the dispensing of water at room temperature and of chilled water respectively. The second dispensing solenoid valve (8) is provided with a second outlet (8''), a first recirculation solenoid valve (100) configured to receive the chilled water dispensed from the second outlet (8'') of said second dispensing solenoid valve (8), said first recirculation solenoid valve (100) being connected to the circuit between the inlet solenoid valve (2) and the first dispensing solenoid valve (6) through a first outlet (100') thereof and being configured to provide through said first outlet (100') the re-introduction of the chilled water into said hydraulic circuit.