Touch-Free Dispenser Power Circuit Using Refill Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance workers need to frequently check and replace batteries in touch-free dispensers, as existing systems rely on non-rechargeable batteries that deplete quickly, leading to unnecessary maintenance tasks and potential misidentification of dispenser issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rechargeable energy storage device and a system that includes a processor, actuator drive circuitry, and capacitors, which allows for charging and voltage boosting using a refill unit's battery, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements and enabling automatic operation of the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-rechargeable batteries are used in touch-free dispensers, then the dispenser can operate autonomously, but the batteries deplete quickly requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically recharging the energy storage device through the refill unit's battery without human intervention. The control circuitry detects when the rechargeable battery needs charging and automatically establishes electrical connection with the refill unit's battery, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manually replace batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy by capturing electrical charge from the refill unit's battery during the refill process. Instead of discarding the refill unit's battery power, the system stores it in the rechargeable battery, thereby recovering useful energy that would otherwise be wasted and extending the dispenser's operational duration.
2Reliability
If maintenance personnel frequently check and replace batteries, then battery issues can be identified, but maintenance workload increases and dispenser downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-maintenance by automatically monitoring battery charge levels and recharging the energy storage device without human intervention. The control circuitry continuously monitors the rechargeable battery's charge state and automatically establishes electrical connection when charging is needed, eliminating the need for manual battery checks and replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the charge level of the rechargeable battery through the control circuitry. When the charge level drops below a threshold, the system receives feedback and automatically initiates recharging by establishing electrical connection with the refill unit's battery, ensuring reliable operation without manual intervention.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a rechargeable battery system is implemented, then battery replacement frequency is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refill unit's battery serves multiple functions: it powers the pump during fluid transfer and simultaneously charges the dispenser's rechargeable battery through the electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure and utilizing existing components for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that manages the electrical connection between the refill unit's battery and the rechargeable battery. It automatically establishes and disconnects electrical connections based on charge needs, simplifying the power management complexity through intelligent automation rather than requiring complex manual battery replacement 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
This solution reduces maintenance workload by allowing the dispenser to automatically recharge and operate with a refill unit's battery, ensuring continuous functionality until the refill is empty, thus eliminating the need for frequent battery checks and replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable energy storage device for providing power to the actuator drive circuitry
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser includes a plurality of capacitors and capacitor control circuitry. The capacitor control circuitry charges the plurality of capacitors in parallel and places the plurality of capacitors in series to power the actuator charge circuitry
Implementation Method 3
circuitry for charging the rechargeable energy storage device... circuitry for electrically coupling to a second battery that is installed with and removable with a refill unit
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic dispensers and refill units for electronic dispensers. An exemplary electronic dispenser includes a housing, a processor and a first battery secured to the dispenser. The first battery provides power to the processor. The dispenser further includes actuator drive circuitry for causing the dispenser to move an actuator to dispense fluid from a refill unit. In addition, the dispenser includes a rechargeable energy storage device for providing power to the actuator drive circuitry. Circuitry for charging the rechargeable energy storage device is also provided. The dispenser includes a holder for holding a refill unit and a connector for releasably connecting to a second battery that is provided with the refill unit. The second battery is installed in the connector when a refill unit is installed in the dispenser and removed from the connector when the refill unit is removed from the dispenser.