Fluid Dispenser Refill Control With Authorized Container Keying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensers, especially those with external refill containers, are vulnerable to improper or unauthorized refilling, such as 'drill and fill' tactics, which can lead to incorrect or unauthorized fluids being added, compromising the quality and authenticity of the refilled fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a controller, a fill level sensor, and a keying mechanism for the external refill container, which communicates authorization signals to the dispenser's controller to open or close the supply valve, preventing unauthorized refilling and ensuring only authorized and correct fluids are added to the reservoir. Additionally, a quick disconnect socket and plug system with a release button are used to manage refilling securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external refill container is used for the dispenser, then refilling convenience is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the refill container and the reservoir. The controller receives authorization signals from the refill container and controls the supply valve accordingly. This intermediary mechanism enables convenient refilling while ensuring that only authorized refill containers can access the reservoir, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill container is equipped with a keying mechanism that automatically transmits authorization signals to the dispenser controller when connected. This self-service approach allows the refill container to prove its own authorization status without manual intervention, maintaining refilling convenience while enhancing security against unauthorized refilling.
2Extent of automation
If a supply valve is added to control fluid flow from the external refill container, then control over refilling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual refilling operations with an automated electromechanical system. The supply valve, controlled by the controller based on authorization signals, automatically regulates fluid flow from the external refill container to the reservoir. This substitution provides precise control over refilling while the integration of components keeps the added complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If keying mechanisms are implemented to verify authorization, then prevention of improper refilling is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization verification through keying mechanisms is performed automatically as a preliminary action before allowing refilling. When the refill container is connected, the controller immediately checks for authorization signals and only permits fluid flow if authorized. This preliminary verification ensures prevention of improper refilling while maintaining ease of operation, as the user simply needs to connect the container without manual verification steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A counter mountable fluid dispenser includes a below deck assembly and an above deck assembly. The below deck assembly includes a reservoir for storing a fluid, a dispensing mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a controller in circuit communication with the dispensing mechanism for operation of the dispensing mechanism. The above deck assembly includes a spout defining an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing fluid stored in the reservoir upon operation of the dispensing mechanism, an external supply port in fluid communication with the reservoir by a supply passage to supply fluid to the reservoir, an access door movable between a closed position blocking access to the external supply port and an open position permitting access to the external supply port, and a switch mechanism configured to disable the dispensing mechanism when the access door is in the open position.