Fluid Dispenser Light Sensor Wake-Up for Battery Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand cleaning fluid dispensers with electronic components face energy depletion issues due to continuous power consumption even when not in use, leading to rapid battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light sensor and controller that detect ambient light levels to activate electronic components only when needed, switching to energy-saving modes during storage or low usage periods, and using a pump position sensor with magnetic sensors to accurately measure fluid dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic components are continuously powered to ensure functionality, then the dispenser is ready for immediate use, but the battery depletes rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor performs preliminary detection of ambient light levels to determine whether the dispenser is in storage or in use. Based on this preliminary information, the controller proactively activates or deactivates electronic components before they are actually needed, optimizing energy consumption while ensuring readiness when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of electronic components based on real-time light sensor input. The controller transitions components between active and inactive states according to environmental conditions, making the power consumption adaptive rather than static, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous readiness and energy conservation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light sensor continuously monitors ambient light to detect dispenser status, then the controller can optimize component activation, but energy is consumed during monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor monitors ambient light levels at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The controller checks light levels at defined moments (e.g., upon power-up, during scheduled intervals) to determine dispenser status, reducing energy consumption from monitoring while still maintaining the ability to optimize component activation based on environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used to detect pump position for accurate fluid measurement, then hand hygiene compliance can be ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with magnetic sensors that detect pump position non-contactually. The magnetic field interaction provides precise position detection without requiring direct mechanical coupling or complex linkages, thus achieving accurate fluid measurement while reducing mechanical complexity in the overall system.
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
Extends the battery life of hand cleaning fluid dispensers by minimizing unnecessary energy usage and providing accurate fluid measurement, ensuring compliance with hand hygiene protocols.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor that detects light in or around the fluid dispenser
Implementation Method 2
The pump position sensor comprises a first magnet sensor and a second magnetic sensor that are arranged to detect the magnetic field of a magnet that is attached to the movable component of the fluid dispenser
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser with a pump mechanism that dispenses fluid when activated. A light sensor detects light in or around the fluid dispenser, and a controller controls a function of an electronic component of the fluid dispenser based on detection data received from the light sensor.