Contactless Beverage Dispenser Sensor-Activated Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid dispensers require physical contact, posing a risk of germ transmission during pandemics and epidemics, as they need to be touched to activate and dispense beverages.
Innovation Solution
A contactless beverage dispenser system with a sensor-activated pump that detects the presence of a beverage container in a sensor zone, allowing for germ-free dispensing without physical contact, using a reservoir, dispensing spout, and ultraviolet sanitizing lights to reduce germ transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional button-activated dispensers are used, then beverage dispensing is achieved, but physical contact is required which increases germ transmission risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the presence of a beverage container through optical means (light reflection or interruption), eliminating the need for mechanical contact. This substitution directly reduces germ transmission risk while maintaining ease of operation through automatic detection and dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system between the user and the dispenser mechanism. The sensor acts as a mediator that detects container presence and triggers dispensing without requiring direct user contact with the dispenser. This intermediary layer breaks the contact chain and reduces germ transmission while keeping the system easy to use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless sensing is implemented, then germ transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system performs self-detection and self-activation through the sensor-pump linkage. The sensor automatically detects container presence and the pump automatically activates without requiring user intervention or complex control logic. This self-service approach minimizes the control system complexity while achieving contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing function and pump activation into a single integrated control pathway. The sensor output directly controls the pump operation, eliminating the need for separate control circuits, microprocessors, or complex logic systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining effective contactless dispensing.
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 safe and hygienic beverage dispensing by eliminating the need for physical contact, reducing germ transmission in group settings such as job sites and sporting events, and providing a mobile, power-efficient solution for various types of beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect when a beverage container is disposed in a sensor zone proximal the dispensing spout
Implementation Method 2
a pump operably coupled to the reservoir and the dispensing spout, the pump being configured to pump the beverage out of the dispensing spout
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless beverage dispenser, system, and method of contactlessly dispensing a beverage are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a sensor that is operatively coupled to a pump for selective activation thereof. The sensor detects, in a sensor zone, the presence of a beverage container proximal a dispensing spout of the beverage dispenser. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, such as a photoelectric sensor. Upon detection of the beverage container, the pump is activated and dispenses a beverage to a user.