Touch-Free Dispenser Battery Banking with Voltage Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-free fluid dispensers with battery backup systems face issues such as inadequate power from partially discharged batteries, limited performance due to mixed battery types, and the need for full depletion before switching, along with the inefficiency of replacing batteries before they are fully used.
Innovation Solution
A touch-free dispenser with a battery banking system using a supercapacitor and a control circuit that ensures one battery is fully depleted before switching to another, allowing for the use of different battery types and providing a consistent power supply by monitoring and managing battery voltage levels through a boost regulator and cell selection circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery backup system is provided that switches to a second battery when the first battery is partially discharged, then the dispenser maintains operation, but the power levels from the almost depleted battery may not be adequate to fully operate the dispensing system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary depletion of the first battery before switching to the second battery. The controller monitors battery voltage and only initiates the switch when the first battery is fully depleted, ensuring that the second battery starts fresh and provides full power for complete dispensing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the voltage of the first battery and uses this feedback to determine when to switch to the second battery. This feedback mechanism ensures that the switch occurs only when the first battery is truly depleted, preventing inadequate power levels during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are connected in series with a controller that chooses the battery with the highest voltage, then the dispenser can operate, but batteries must be of the same type and mixing different types can cause failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the battery operation into distinct phases: first, the controller operates exclusively on the first battery until it is fully depleted; then, it switches to the second battery. This segmentation eliminates the need to connect batteries in series and allows different battery types to be used without compatibility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages power selection between two independent battery sources. Rather than requiring series connection and voltage matching, the controller selectively draws power from either battery based on depletion status, enabling flexibility in battery type selection while maintaining system reliability.
3Reliability
If batteries are replaced on a predetermined schedule, then the dispenser avoids running out of power, but the full life of the replaced battery is not used
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the voltage and charge status of the first battery, using this feedback to determine the optimal switch point. This real-time monitoring allows the system to extend battery usage until true depletion occurs, maximizing battery life while ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and automatic switching based on battery status. The controller detects when the first battery is depleted and autonomously switches to the second battery, eliminating the need for scheduled replacements and ensuring that each battery is used to its full capacity.
4Loss of energy
If one battery is fully depleted before switching to another, then battery life is efficiently used, but the dispenser requires a controller that can monitor and switch between batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The controller autonomously monitors battery voltage and performs automatic switching without external intervention. This self-service capability maximizes battery life efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple, as the controller only needs to monitor voltage thresholds and execute a switch when depletion is detected.
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
The system ensures complete depletion of one battery before switching, allowing for efficient use of battery life, simplifying battery configuration, and providing a consistent operational cycle, while indicating which battery needs replacement, thus optimizing battery life and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A touch-free dispenser with a battery banking system using a supercapacitor and a control circuit that ensures one battery is fully depleted before switching to another
Implementation Method 2
a boost regulator circuit connected to the controller and receiving power from the power source and generating a boost signal received by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically powered device includes at least one electrically powered component and a power source having at least two cells. One cell powers the electrically powered component and the remaining cells are held in reserve. A control circuit is connected to the electrically powered component and the power source. The control circuit includes a controller which generates a charge signal, a boost regulator circuit connected to the controller which receives power from the power source and generates a boost signal for conversion into a charge signal. A capacitor is connected to the controller and receives the charge signal and provides a predetermined voltage to the electrically powered component. A boost regulator circuit and the controller monitor the power source and draw power from one of the remaining cells held in reserve when the cell is fully depleted.