Bottle Filler Fountain With Bypass Cap and IR Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensers lack a simplified and secure mechanism for engaging with walls, fail to detect bottle presence accurately, and require a filter for operation, with no non-filtering bypass mechanism for continuous flow and filter usage tracking.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser station with a top and bottom mounting bracket system for secure wall engagement, an infrared sensor for bottle detection, a non-filtering bypass cap, and a filter usage tracking system, including a DC power supply and modular assembly for easy installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is required for operation with RFID tag detection, then liquid purification is improved, but device complexity and operational reliability worsen when filter is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass mechanism with a cap that has external threads matching the filter's internal threads. This cap serves as an intermediary component that allows liquid flow to bypass the filter when the filter is absent or removed, preventing system failure and maintaining operational reliability without requiring complex sensor-based detection systems.
2Reliability
If mounting brackets are made secure and stable for wall engagement, then installation reliability is improved, but ease of installation worsens due to alignment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the mounting brackets where one bracket has external threads and the other has internal threads. This asymmetric configuration provides self-aligning capability during installation, making it easier to engage the brackets securely on the wall without requiring precise alignment, thus improving both installation ease and mounting reliability.
3Measurement precision
If sensor height is fixed at 9.25 inches for bottle detection, then detection precision is improved, but adaptability to different bottle sizes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sensor at a universal height of 9.25 inches that serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of bottles of various sizes, determines when to initiate liquid flow, and monitors bottle filling levels. This single sensor position provides multi-functional capability that maintains detection precision across different bottle types without requiring multiple sensors at different heights.
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 secure and efficient liquid dispensing with accurate bottle detection, continuous flow without a filter, and effective filter usage tracking, improving user experience and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include an infrared (IR) sensor for detecting the presence of the liquid container. The IR sensor may include at least one of an IR photodiode, an IR light emitting diode (LED), and associated electrical circuitry for receiving IR signals from the IR photodiode and transmitting light from the IR LED.
Implementation Method 2
comparing an intensity of the first, environmental IR signal to an intensity of the second, detection signal to determine whether the second, detection signal is emitted from the environment or is reflected from the liquid container
Data Source
AI summary
A bottle filling station may include a liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid. A pan can be configured to collect at least a portion of the dispensed liquid with a liquid flow circuit providing liquid to the liquid dispenser. A filter can be disposed in the liquid flow circuit configured to filter the liquid in the liquid circuit and a non-filtering bypass can provide liquid to the liquid dispenser bypassing the filter.