Dispenser Power Rectification and Storage to Prevent Interface Corrosion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems face issues with battery management, electrode corrosion, and unauthorized consumable product usage, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs, particularly in humid environments where galvanic corrosion occurs, and there is a need for improved power management and energy efficiency to minimize delays in product dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A power management system utilizing a controller connected to a zero net voltage (ZNV) power source with a power rectification circuit to convert ZNV power to higher voltage direct current (HVDC) for energy storage, which is selectively provided to the dispenser load, incorporating an auxiliary power cell and capacitors for efficient power distribution and corrosion prevention through pulsed DC signals, and an electronic key system that ensures authorized consumable product usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a single or multiple batteries are used to provide energy for dispensing cycles, then the battery lifespan is extended (monthly replacement), but the consumable product must be replaced more frequently ( several times daily), creating mismatched replacement schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into two separate batteries: a rechargeable battery that remains in the dispenser and a disposable battery in the consumable cartridge. This segmentation allows independent replacement cycles - the rechargeable battery can be charged continuously while consumables are replaced frequently without battery replacement, resolving the mismatched replacement schedule problem.
2Ease of manufacture
If frictional connection is used for power transfer between consumable packaging and dispenser, then electrical connection is simple, but electrode corrosion occurs particularly in humid environments
Solution Approach 1:
A rechargeable battery housed in the consumable cartridge serves as an intermediary power source. Instead of direct frictional contact between consumable packaging and dispenser electrodes, power is transferred through this intermediary battery via a electrical connection interface, eliminating galvanic corrosion while maintaining simple manufacturing.
3Reliability
If batteries are replaced manually in large facilities with hundreds or thousands of washrooms, then battery replacement is possible, but substantial personnel time and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable battery in the dispenser automatically charges itself from the mains power supply whenever available, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement. The system serves itself by continuously maintaining power availability, and consumable replacement automatically brings a fresh disposable battery into position if needed, requiring no personnel intervention for power source maintenance.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional power transfer is used from consumable to dispenser, then power delivery is straightforward, but power management efficiency is poor and kinetic energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the kinetic energy of the rotating consumable and the charge state of both batteries, then intelligently controls the power transfer process. It recovers kinetic energy during consumable installation, optimizes charging between the disposable and rechargeable batteries based on real-time conditions, and manages power delivery to the motor, maximizing energy efficiency while maintaining simple power transfer.
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 effectively manages power delivery, reduces corrosion, minimizes maintenance needs, and ensures efficient energy use by prioritizing power distribution based on load demand, preventing unauthorized consumable product usage, and recapturing kinetic energy, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of dispensing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A power rectification circuit (PRC) converts ZNV power to higher voltage direct current (HVDC) power
Implementation Method 2
An energy storage system connected to the HVDC power source receives and stores HVDC power within the energy storage system
Implementation Method 3
transferring power from a low power battery source on a disposable product to a dispenser particularly in higher humidity environments
Data Source
AI summary
A power management system for dispensers is described. The system includes a controller connected to a lower power zero net voltage (ZNV) power source. A power rectification circuit (PRC) converts ZNV power to higher voltage direct current (HVDC) power. An energy storage system connected to the HVDC power source receives and stores HVDC power within the energy storage system which is selectively provided to a dispenser motor load connected to the energy storage system. The system provides an effective solution to the problem of transferring power from a low power battery source on a disposable product to a dispenser as well as providing a system that minimizes corrosion at the electrical interface between the disposable product and the dispenser particularly in higher humidity environments.