Automatic fluid dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensers lack an automatic mechanism for upright liquid containers that prevents leakage and efficiently dispense liquid from the bottom, while also identifying and tracking container contents.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a housing case containing a container with an upright pump mechanism, a pump head that moves between positions, and a fluid flow network that dispenses liquid from the bottom, equipped with a motion sensor and RFID chip for automatic operation and content recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual actuation of pump mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but automation level and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an automated pump mechanism controlled by a sensor system. The pump actuator is automatically activated based on sensor detection, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining controlled dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system performs self-service through automatic sensor detection and pump activation. The system autonomously detects when dispensing is needed and activates the pump mechanism without requiring manual intervention, achieving automatic operation.
2Quantity of substance
If container is held upside-down for dispensing, then liquid flow is improved, but container stability and leakage risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional dispensing approach by keeping the container upright and instead inverting the pump mechanism position. The pump head is positioned at the bottom to receive liquid from the container base, allowing automatic priming and continuous flow without inverting the container, thus maintaining stability while ensuring reliable dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump tube acts as an intermediary element that extends from the pump head upward into the container to reach the liquid. This allows the pump to remain at the bottom while still accessing liquid in the upright container, solving both the flow and stability issues.
3Productivity
If pump head remains in lowered position, then liquid dispensing is continuous, but spring energy consumption and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump head operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when dispensing is needed and returning to the raised position afterward. This periodic operation allows the spring to recharge during the return stroke, reducing continuous energy consumption while maintaining productive dispensing output.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump head transitions between static positions (raised and lowered) rather than remaining continuously lowered. This dynamic positioning allows the spring to alternate between storing and releasing energy, reducing cumulative stress and energy consumption while maintaining dispensing productivity.
4Loss of information
If RFID chip and reader are added, then container identification capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical identification systems with RFID technology. The RFID chip and reader provide container identification and tracking capabilities using electromagnetic fields, which is electronically simpler and more reliable than alternative identification methods.
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
Enables automatic, leak-proof dispensing of liquids from upright containers, with motion-activated operation and RFID-based content identification, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A position of the pump head is maintained in the raised position by at least one spring
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic sensor is attached to a support surface of the housing case, and a wafer is attached to the container. The wafer has a magnet embedded therein, and the container is inserted into the housing case so that the wafer is received by and mates with the housing case to align the magnet with the magnetic sensor. A location of the magnet embedded in the wafer of the container is detected by the magnetic sensor of the housing case
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser has a housing case that defines a storage chamber, and a container inserted into the storage chamber of the housing case. A pump dispenser is mounted on a neck of the container for pumping liquid out of the container. A pump head moves between a raised position and a lowered position for dispensing the liquid out a first outlet tube that extends laterally to an outlet port. A receiver head having an opening is adapted to receive the first outlet tube, the receiver head being operably attached to a second outlet tube, the second outlet tube having a top end attached to the receiver head, and a bottom end. The dispenser further includes a pumping means for pushing the pump head of the container to the lowered position, against the bias of the at least one spring, in response to a sensing means.