Automatic Liquid Dispenser with Sensor-Based Overfill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers face challenges such as high risk of overfilling and contamination due to manual operation, incorrect container size selection, and pre-filling issues, leading to inefficient and unsafe filling processes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser equipped with a flow controller, vertical actuator, spatiality sensor, and control unit that automatically adjusts the liquid outlet element's position and flow based on container geometry and pre-filling status, preventing overfilling and contamination by ensuring precise liquid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual dispensers are used requiring user control for on/off operation, then user can control liquid flow, but high risk of overfilling occurs due to user distraction or failure to observe maximum filling point
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system performs self-monitoring of the liquid filling process through sensors that detect container fill level, automatically controlling the liquid flow without requiring continuous user attention or intervention to prevent overfilling
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on container fill level to the control unit, which automatically adjusts or stops liquid flow based on the detected fill status, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overfilling
2Extent of automation
If programmable dispensers are used with pre-determined volume output, then filling process is automated, but overfilling occurs when container size is mismatched with programmed volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of container characteristics (such as capacity or dimensions) before initiating the filling process, allowing the control unit to adjust the filling volume accordingly and prevent overfilling due to container-size mismatch
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system dynamically adjusts filling parameters based on real-time sensor data about the container, rather than relying on fixed pre-programmed volumes, enabling adaptive control that matches the actual container capacity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid outlet element is positioned at maximum distance from receiving container, then contamination risk is reduced, but liquid transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid outlet element is positioned dynamically at different distances from the receiving container depending on the filling phase: maintained at maximum distance during non-filling periods to minimize contamination risk, and moved closer during active liquid transfer to maximize transfer efficiency
Data Source
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 spatiality sensor (300) and a control unit (600). A method for production of a receiving container (700), having liquid (220) in its internal volume, is also disclosed.