Automated disposable dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated dispensers are often large, expensive, require manual pressure to dispense liquids, and can harbor germs due to unsanitary nozzle handling, necessitating frequent cleaning and replacement, while lacking hands-free and recyclable options.

Innovation Solution

An automated disposable dispenser with a motion sensor-activated, battery-powered system that includes a motorized straw and nozzle for hands-free dispensing, a light source for low-light use, and a meter/timer for controlled dispensing, housed in a lightweight, recyclable, and optionally insulated plastic or biodegradable material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If automated dispensers are used to enable hands-free dispensing, then hygiene is improved, but device cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegerm contaminationVSAvoiddevice cost and size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by making the entire dispenser unit disposable after use. The housing, motor, battery, and all components are designed as a single-use unit that is discarded after the liquid reservoir is empty or the device needs cleaning, eliminating the need for expensive reusable automated dispensers with complex cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor enables self-service automated dispensing without requiring manual operation of valves or buttons. The system automatically detects when a user needs liquid and activates the motor to dispense the appropriate amount, providing hands-free hygiene benefits while keeping the control mechanism simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If traditional dispenser bottles are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but manual pressure application is required and hygiene deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmanual pressure requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical pressure system with an automated motor-driven system. Instead of requiring users to squeeze or press the dispenser, a small motor activates a pump mechanism to push liquid through the straw and out the nozzle, eliminating the need for manual pressure while keeping the overall device simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If reusable automated dispensers are used, then dispensing automation is achieved, but cleaning requirements increase and replacement cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing automationVSAvoidcleaning and replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after use rather than cleaned and refilled. This eliminates all cleaning requirements and reduces replacement costs by using inexpensive materials for the housing, motor, and battery that can be affordably manufactured and disposed of

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The entire dispenser unit is discarded after the liquid is depleted or the device needs cleaning. The design accepts that the motor, battery, and housing are temporary components that are replaced with new units rather than maintained, simplifying the system by eliminating cleaning mechanisms and refill procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables hands-free, sanitary, and cost-effective dispensing of liquids without manual pressure, with easy disposal and minimal cleanup, addressing the limitations of existing dispensers by providing a recyclable and affordable solution that fits various surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The housing has at least one motion sensor to allow the device to detect the user's hand for touchless dispensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 2

The interior space of the device has a straw and at least one motor that pulls the liquid through the straw and out of the continuous opening positioned in the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotor-driven fluid transport:

Implementation Method 3

The device further includes at least one light source allowing a user to be able to see in poor lighting conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 4

The motor, light source, and the motion sensor may be powered by at least one battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS12150607B2Automated disposable dispenser

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 SILVERS MARK J

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to the field of single use, disposable dispensers. The dispenser has a housing, with an interior space, a one cap, and a motion sensor. The dispenser further allows a user to have hands-free dispensing of the desired liquid, while still having an easily disposable single-use dispenser. The dispenser may include a one light source, a motor. The motor pulls the liquid through the straw and out of the continuous opening to the nozzle. The motor, light source, and the motion sensor may be powered by a battery.