Automatic liquid dispenser and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers face issues such as overfilling, contamination, and inefficient volume and type selection based on container geometry and pre-filling, with manual and programmable dispensers posing risks of environmental contamination and incorrect volume dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser equipped with a flow controller, vertical actuator, spatiality sensor, and control unit that adjusts liquid transfer based on container geometry and pre-filling, preventing overfilling and contamination by sensing contact with the container and controlling the liquid outlet element's position and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dispensers are used, then user control is provided for dispensing liquid, but the risk of overfilling and environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback control system where a sensor detects the liquid level in the service container and sends signals to the control unit, which automatically stops the dispensing process when the maximum fill level is reached, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and preventing overfilling
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of the dispensing process through integrated sensors and control mechanisms that automatically manage the liquid transfer, freeing the user from the need to manually control or monitor the filling process
2Quantity of substance
If programmable dispensers are used, then pre-determined volume is dispensed, but incorrect volume selection due to programming errors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual programming and mechanical control with an automatic sensor-based control system that dynamically adjusts the dispensing volume based on real-time detection of the service container's actual capacity, eliminating programming errors and ensuring accurate volume delivery
3Productivity
If liquid outlet element is positioned close to receiving container, then transfer efficiency is improved, but the risk of contact and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (sensor) that monitors the spatial relationship between the liquid outlet element and the service container, enabling precise control that maintains efficient proximity while preventing harmful contact through automatic position adjustment and dispensing cessation
4Quantity of substance
If automatic detection of container geometry is implemented, then correct volume selection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: detecting the presence of the service container, determining its geometry and capacity, monitoring liquid level during dispensing, and triggering the stop signal, thereby achieving accurate volume selection without proportionally increasing system complexity
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
Facilitates safe and precise filling of containers with minimized overfilling and cross-contamination risks, allowing automatic selection of liquid type and volume based on container geometry and pre-filling.
Implementation Method 1
a spatiality sensor being a pressure-, a force- or a weight sensor... adapted to detect a force change being due to the transition between a non-contacting state and a contacting state
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a liquid dispenser (1000), for transfer of liquid (220) from a storage container (800) to a receiving container (700) having a receiving aperture (710) facing upwards. The liquid dispenser (1000) comprises a flow controller (400), a liquid conductor (210), a liquid outlet element (200), a vertical actuator (100), a spatially sensor (300) and a control unit (600). A method for production of a receiving container (700), having liquid (220) in its internal volume, and a method for detecting the transition between a non-contacting state and a contacting state upon operating a liquid dispenser (1000), are also disclosed.