Hands-Free Dispenser Sensor Duty Cycling for Power and Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hands-free fluid dispensers face inefficiencies in power management, leading to reduced battery life and missed opportunities for soap dispensing due to constant duty cycles regardless of usage levels, with existing devices consuming excessive power during non-use and lacking adaptive response times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method with a battery-powered device that adjusts its sensor duty cycle based on usage patterns, switching between conserve and normal or heavy use modes using timers and sensors to optimize power consumption and response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sensor duty cycle is increased to improve response time during busy periods, then the response time is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor duty cycle adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the duty cycle between a first value (during non-use periods) and a second value (during busy periods) based on detected usage patterns. This allows the system to optimize between response time and power consumption by adapting the sensor activation frequency to actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter (duty cycle) of the sensor based on usage detection. When usage is detected, the controller increases the duty cycle to improve response time; when no usage is detected, the controller decreases the duty cycle to conserve power. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to have fast response when needed and low power consumption when not in use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the sensor duty cycle is decreased to reduce power consumption during non-use, then power consumption is reduced, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the sensor duty cycle based on detected usage patterns. During non-use periods, the duty cycle is set to a first (lower) value to conserve power. When usage is detected, the controller switches to a second (higher) duty cycle value to ensure fast response time. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the sensor duty cycle parameter from a first value to a second value based on usage detection. This parameter change allows the system to optimize power consumption during non-use while maintaining fast response capability when users are present, effectively resolving the trade-off between these two parameters.
3Reliability
If the sensor is kept on continuously to maintain calibration and detect users, then detection reliability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a duty cycle approach where the sensor is activated at specific intervals rather than continuously. The controller periodically activates the sensor at the first duty cycle value during non-use periods to maintain basic calibration while conserving battery power. This periodic activation maintains sufficient detection reliability while extending battery life compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts the sensor operational parameter (duty cycle) to balance detection reliability and battery life. By using a lower first duty cycle value during non-use periods, the system maintains adequate calibration and detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption to extend battery life. When usage is detected, the parameter switches to a second value to ensure reliable detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for managing power consumption of a battery-powered device such as a fluid dispenser are disclosed. One method includes setting a duty cycle of a sensor used by the device to a first range and setting a timer upon detection of a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a second range. The method continues by checking for another triggering event during the second range. The checking step is repeated if the timer has not lapsed, but if the timer has lapsed the process returns to the setting step. Related methods may be used to adjust the duty cycle based upon a detected characteristic such as light, sound, motion or time.