Water Dispenser Sanitising Flow Control for Pathogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chilled water dispensers are susceptible to waterborne bacteria and opportunistic pathogens like Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with existing sanitizing systems being complex, non-user-friendly, and inadequate in reducing or eliminating bacteria proliferation.
Innovation Solution
A system using a pressure-compensating flow restrictor to regulate the flow rate of a sanitizing solution, such as hypochlorous acid, mixed with water at 10-25 ppm concentration for 8 minutes to sanitize the fluid pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration systems are used, then water can be filtered, but bacteria and pathogens such as Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may still infiltrate and contaminate the water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the water by introducing a sanitising solution (e.g., chlorine-based or peroxide-based) at a controlled concentration (10-50 ppm) to eliminate bacteria and pathogens. This chemical parameter change provides superior pathogen elimination compared to physical filtration alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sanitising solution as an intermediary substance between the water supply and the fluid pathway. This intermediary chemical agent actively kills or eliminates pathogens without requiring complex mechanical filtration systems, thereby improving water safety while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If existing sanitising systems are implemented, then some sanitisation occurs, but they are complex and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sanitising system where the sanitising solution is automatically dosed and applied through the existing water dispensing infrastructure. The system requires no manual intervention, complex controls, or special user training, making it both effective and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the sanitisation function into the existing water dispensing system, allowing the same infrastructure to serve both water delivery and sanitisation purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex sanitisation equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If existing sanitising systems are used, then some pathogen reduction occurs, but they do not adequately reduce or eliminate bacteria proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical concentration parameter of the sanitising solution to achieve effective pathogen elimination. By controlling the solution concentration at 10-50 ppm and maintaining it for a sufficient dwell time, the system adequately reduces and eliminates bacteria proliferation, addressing the insufficiency of existing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous sanitisation action by maintaining the sanitising solution in the fluid pathway throughout the water dispensing process. This continuous exposure ensures thorough pathogen elimination and prevents bacteria proliferation, rather than relying on intermittent or insufficient sanitisation cycles.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates bacteria and pathogens in the fluid pathway, ensuring safe drinking water and reducing the risk of contamination, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the flow restrictor is configured to regulate a flow rate of the solution delivered to the fluid pathway to facilitate mixing between the water and the solution to an effective sanitising concentration within the fluid pathway
Implementation Method 2
the sanitising solution includes hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 3
the sanitising solution includes hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 4
the flow restrictor is a pressure-compensating flow restrictor
Implementation Method 5
the canister includes an inert gas pressurised to between 800 to 1000 kPa
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sanitising a fluid pathway in a drinking water dispensing assembly may include: a supply of water to be delivered under pressure through the fluid pathway; and a sanitising solution to be dispensed into the fluid pathway via a flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is configured to regulate the flow rate of the solution delivered to the fluid pathway to facilitate mixing between the water and the solution to an effective sanitising concentration within the fluid pathway.