Contactless Beverage Dispenser Interface Using Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water dispensers in shared spaces pose a health hazard due to multiple users touching buttons and then containers, necessitating a contactless interface for interaction.
Innovation Solution
A contactless interface system for beverage dispensers using sensors that detect objects within a specific zone, allowing users to control liquid dispensing without physical contact, which can be integrated into existing dispensers or used alongside traditional buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional contact buttons are used on beverage dispensers, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it creates health hazards by requiring multiple users to touch shared surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact buttons with optical sensors that detect objects within a detection zone. The sensor system uses optical fields instead of mechanical contact to detect user presence and trigger dispensing, thereby eliminating the need for physical contact surfaces while maintaining functional control of the beverage dispenser
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the user and the dispenser control system. The optical sensor detects objects (such as hands or containers) within its detection zone and translates this detection into control signals, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct contact while preserving the control function
2Reliability
If contactless sensors are added to existing beverage dispensers, then health safety is improved by eliminating contact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the contactless interface system to be universally applicable to existing beverage dispensers. The optical sensor system can detect various objects (hands, containers, cups) and trigger different dispensing modes, making it a multi-functional interface that replaces multiple separate controls while improving hygiene reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor system automatically detects user presence and initiates dispensing without requiring manual button pressing. The system serves itself by using ambient optical fields and automatic detection algorithms to trigger dispensing sequences, reducing the need for complex user interaction mechanisms
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
Reduces the spread of germs by eliminating the need for direct contact with shared surfaces, providing a hygienic and efficient method for dispensing various temperature and carbonated beverages.
Implementation Method 1
A contactless interface for a beverage dispenser is provided using contactless sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless interface for a beverage dispenser including a sensor and circuitry. The sensor has a field of view and is configured to sense an object located in a detection zone of the sensor. The detection zone is an area within the field of view and at a distance less than a maximum detection distance from the sensor. The circuitry is configured to output a detection signal while the object is sensed within the detection zone. The detection signal is an electrical signal.