Fluid dispenser and fluid dispenser system with means for detecting improper refilling and method for detecting improper refilling of a fluid dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensers, especially those with external refill containers, are vulnerable to improper or unauthorized refilling, such as 'drill and fill' methods, which can lead to incorrect or unauthorized fluids being added, compromising the quality and authenticity of the dispensed fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an externally filled fluid dispenser system that includes a controller in circuit communication with an electronic user interface and a supply valve, utilizing RFID keying mechanisms and weight sensors to authenticate and monitor the refill container, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring only authorized and correct fluids are refilled by locking the supply port and controlling the flow through a self-sealing connector and electronic keying system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or electronic keying mechanisms are used to prevent unauthorized refilling, then security against improper refilling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical keying mechanisms with an electronic identification system using RFID tags and readers. The RFID tag contains an identification code that is read by the dispenser's reader, and the controller verifies authorization electronically. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical locking mechanisms while maintaining security against unauthorized refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary carrier of identification information. Instead of direct mechanical or electronic locking mechanisms, the system uses the RFID tag to mediate the authorization process. The tag stores identification data that the reader retrieves, and the controller uses this data to determine whether refilling is authorized, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If external refill containers are used for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical security measures (such as locked containers or complex mechanical authentication) with an electronic identification and verification system. The RFID tag on the external refill container enables automatic electronic authentication when placed near the dispenser, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable security against unauthorized refilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the RFID communication process. When a refill container is presented, the reader automatically queries the RFID tag, the controller verifies the identification code against authorized codes, and provides immediate feedback by either enabling or disabling the refilling process. This automated feedback loop ensures security without complicating the user experience.
3Ease of operation
If supply valve remains open during refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unauthorized fluid addition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization verification through RFID authentication before allowing the supply valve to open. The controller reads the identification code from the RFID tag on the refill container, verifies it against authorized codes in memory, and only then enables the supply valve. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized refilling operations can proceed, preventing unauthorized fluid addition while maintaining operational simplicity for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control of the supply valve (manual opening/closing) with electronic control based on RFID verification. The supply valve remains closed by default and is opened electronically only after successful authentication. This substitution eliminates the need for manual valve operation while providing automated security, reducing the risk of unauthorized refilling without complicating the process for authorized users.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid dispenser, a fluid dispensing system with said fluid dispenser and a method for detecting improper refilling of the fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser comprises: a reservoir for storing a fluid; an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing fluid stored in the reservoir; a supply passage connected with the reservoir to permit a supplying of fluid to the reservoir from an external supply port when the supply passage is in an open condition and to block the supplying of fluid to the reservoir when the supply passage is in a closed condition; a controller configured to determine whether the supply passage is in the open condition or the closed condition; and a fill level sensor operable to measure a fluid fill level of the reservoir, the fill level sensor being in circuit communication with the controller to transmit to the controller a fill level data signal corresponding to the fluid fill level; wherein the controller is further configured to generate an improper filling notification signal when the fill level data signal received from the fill level sensor indicates an increase in the fluid fill level of the reservoir while the supply passage is in the closed condition.