Contactless Dispensing Valve With Sensor-Gated Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liquid dispensing systems require physical contact for activation, which can be inconvenient and unsanitary, and existing autonomous systems lack versatility and compatibility with various liquid sources.
Innovation Solution
A contactless valve system with sensors and a controller that detects user presence, liquid temperature, or vessel motion to initiate dispensing, compatible with existing fluid sources and power sources, allowing hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanically actuated switch is used for dispensing activation, then the device structure is simple, but physical contact is required which is inconvenient and unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuated switch with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects user presence or hand movement without physical contact, and the controller processes this signal to activate the dispensing mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical contact while enabling contactless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of a sensor and controller that mediates between the user and the dispensing mechanism. The sensor acts as an intermediary by detecting user presence or hand movement and transmitting this information to the controller, which then activates the pump, allowing indirect activation without physical contact
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous filling systems are implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but versatility and compatibility with various liquid sources are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the valve assembly with universal adaptability by incorporating a standardized mounting interface that can be attached to various liquid sources such as beverage containers, water dispensers, and other fluid containers. The sensor system is designed to detect different types of activation gestures (hand presence, hand movement) making it versatile across different usage scenarios and liquid sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the autonomous system into independent functional modules: a mounting interface for attachment to various liquid sources, a sensor module for detection, a controller for processing, and a pump mechanism for dispensing. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates compatibility with different liquid sources and activation methods
3Loss of time
If continuous sensor activation is used for detection, then response time is fast, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by keeping the sensor inactive most of the time and activating it only when triggered by a detection event or on a scheduled basis. The controller activates the pump in response to detected gestures, creating a periodic or event-driven operation pattern rather than continuous activation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining responsive dispensing when needed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A contactless valve configured to dispense a liquid can include an actuator configured to move a plug between a closed position in which the plug prevents the flow of liquid through valve body, and an open position in which liquid can be dispensed through an outlet. The valve can include an activation sensor, a presence sensor, and a controller configured to control the actuator and in electrical communication with the activation sensor and the presence sensor. The controller can be configured to switch the presence sensor into the activated state in response to the detection of the prerequisite condition by the activation sensor, and to control the actuator to move the plug from the closed position to the open position in response to the detection of the object in the upper detection zone by the presence sensor.