Dispenser using electrically activated material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems face challenges in reducing battery power consumption and maintaining a small footprint while providing touch-less dispensing functionality, particularly in environments like schools, hospitals, and factories.
Innovation Solution
A pump mechanism utilizing an electrically activated flexible membrane that changes pliability in response to voltage, allowing for efficient fluid dispensing by moving between compressed and uncompressed states with the assistance of biasing devices, thereby minimizing power usage and optimizing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional pump mechanism is used for touch-less dispensing, then reliable fluid dispensing is achieved, but power consumption increases and device footprint enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump components (motors, gears, pistons) with an electrically activated membrane system. The membrane responds directly to electrical signals to create pumping action, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable fluid dispensing through direct actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) applied to the membrane to control its mechanical response. By modulating these electrical parameters, the system achieves reliable pumping action with variable flow rates without requiring proportional increases in power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
2Area of stationary object
If a conventional pump mechanism is used for touch-less dispensing, then reliable fluid dispensing is achieved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump components (motors, gears, pistons) with an electrically activated membrane system. The membrane responds directly to electrical signals to create pumping action, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable fluid dispensing through direct actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the membrane, biasing devices, and fluid channels into a compact nested structure where components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. This nesting allows the pump to achieve reliable pumping action within a minimized footprint by efficiently utilizing three-dimensional space.
3Productivity
If the flexible membrane has high pliability, then efficient fluid dispensing is achieved, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in the electrical parameters (voltage, frequency) applied to the membrane to control its mechanical response. By modulating these electrical parameters, the system achieves reliable pumping action with variable flow rates without requiring proportional increases in power consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the membrane's response and adjust the electrical activation parameters accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain optimal control precision even as membrane pliability varies, ensuring efficient and accurate fluid dispensing by dynamically compensating for changes in membrane characteristics.
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 solution achieves low power consumption and compact design while maintaining effective touch-less dispensing, ensuring reliable operation in various environments with reduced battery drain.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible membrane has a first pliability when a first voltage is applied to the flexible membrane and has a second pliability when a second voltage is applied to the flexible membrane
Implementation Method 2
The pump comprises a first biasing device configured to apply a first force in a first direction to the flexible membrane
Implementation Method 3
The dome portion is configured to move in a second direction along the compression axis from the compressed state to the uncompressed state in response to the gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for dispensing fluid includes a dome portion for storing the fluid received through a pump inlet. The dome portion is movable between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The pump includes a flexible membrane having a first pliability when a first voltage is applied and a second pliability when a second voltage is applied. The pump includes a first biasing device that applies a first force in a first direction to the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane moves the dome portion from the uncompressed state to the compressed state. The pump includes a second biasing device that applies a second force in a second direction to the dome portion to move the dome portion from the compressed state to the uncompressed state when the flexible membrane has the second pliability. Alternatively, the dome portion moves in the second direction in response to a gravitational force.