Fluid Dispenser Remote Piston Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispenser assemblies do not provide clear, reliable, and perceptible information to users about the filling and emptying state of the reservoir, requiring users to continuously verify the status.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating remote detection means, such as magnetic-field sensors or wavelength sensors, outside the reservoir to detect a physical property carried by the piston, providing visual or audible alerts when the piston reaches specific positions indicative of the reservoir's state, allowing users to be informed without direct observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive visual indication systems are used to show piston position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the information delivery to user is insufficient and requires continuous user verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active feedback by using detector means to sense the piston's position and generate alert signals that automatically inform the user when the piston reaches predetermined positions. This transforms the passive visual indication system into an active feedback system that proactively communicates reservoir status without requiring continuous user verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical visual indication systems with electronic detection and signaling systems. Detector means (such as magnetic or capacitive sensors) substitute for passive visual markers, enabling automatic detection and electronic alert delivery through audio, visual, or haptic interfaces.
2Reliability
If remote detection means are added outside the reservoir, then clear information about reservoir state is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces detector means as an intermediary component positioned outside the reservoir that indirectly senses piston position through the cylinder wall. This intermediary approach allows reliable detection of reservoir state without direct contact with the piston, maintaining system reliability while adding controlled complexity through a dedicated sensing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector means serves multiple functions: it detects piston position, determines when predetermined positions are reached, and triggers alert signals. This multi-functional component consolidates detection, processing, and signaling capabilities into a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate components and mitigating the increase in device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the detector means act remotely through the slide cylinder, then the piston structure is simplified, but the detection precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the slide cylinder wall as a non-magnetic or non-interfering barrier that allows remote detection. The cylinder acts as a flexible shell that the detector means can sense through, enabling external detection without requiring modifications to the piston structure while maintaining sufficient detection precision through appropriate sensor selection and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs detector means capable of detecting subtle physical parameter changes (such as magnetic field variations or capacitive changes) transmitted through the cylinder wall. By using sensitive detection parameters and signal processing techniques, the system maintains high detection precision despite the remote sensing arrangement through the cylinder barrier.
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 users to receive clear and reliable information about the reservoir's filling and emptying state through perceptible signals, reducing the need for continuous verification and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the detector means may comprise a magnetic-field sensor, and the piston is provided with a magnet that generates a magnetic field as the detectable determined physical property
Implementation Method 2
the slide cylinder not preventing the detector means from detecting the determined physical property. In other words, the material constituting the cylinder is transparent for the detector means and/or the physical property
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispenser assembly having a fluid reservoir (R), a dispenser member (5), and a dispenser orifice (62). The fluid reservoir (R) includes a piston (42) movable in leaktight sliding contact in a slide cylinder (41) over a maximum stroke between a start position that corresponds to a substantially full state of the reservoir, and an end position that corresponds to a substantially empty state of the reservoir. The dispenser assembly has a detector (35) arranged outside the fluid reservoir (R) and acts remotely to detect a determined physical property that enters into a small detection field that covers an alert position of the piston that is closer to the end position than to the start position. The piston (42) carries the detectable determined physical property and the detector (35) delivers, in response to a detection of the physical property, at least one alert signal perceptible to a user.