Counter-Mountable Fluid Dispenser with RFID-Based Refill Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid dispensers, especially those with external refill containers, are vulnerable to unauthorized or improper refilling, such as 'drill and fill' tactics, which can lead to incorrect or unauthorized fluids being added, compromising the quality and authenticity of the dispensed fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a controlled refilling system using an externally filled fluid dispenser with a controller that communicates with an electronic keying mechanism in the refill container, ensuring only authorized containers can refill the dispenser by using RFID tags and self-sealing connectors, and monitoring the refill process to prevent unauthorized access and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or electronic keying mechanisms are used to prevent unauthorized refilling, then the security against improper refilling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical keying mechanisms with a simpler electronic control system that uses RFID tags and a controller to authenticate refill containers. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving security against unauthorized refilling through electronic verification of container authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary element that carries authentication information. Instead of complex direct mechanical or electronic keying between the dispenser and refill container, the RFID tag serves as a mediator that enables simple yet secure verification through wireless communication, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If external refill containers are used for dispensers, then the ease of refilling is improved, but the vulnerability to unauthorized refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication through RFID verification before allowing the refill process to occur. The controller checks the authenticity of the external refill container's RFID tag before enabling fluid transfer, preventing unauthorized refilling before it can happen while maintaining the ease of external refilling for authorized containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the controller that monitors and verifies the refill process. The controller receives authentication signals from RFID tags and provides feedback by enabling or disabling the refill operation, ensuring that only authorized external containers can refill the dispenser while maintaining operational ease for legitimate users.
3Extent of automation
If RFID tags and electronic keying mechanisms are implemented, then the ability to monitor and control refill operations is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring and control mechanisms with electronic RFID-based systems. The controller automatically monitors refill operations through wireless RFID communication, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and switches, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while improving automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags and electronic system enable self-service authentication and monitoring without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated manufacturing. The system automatically verifies container authenticity and monitors refill operations through simple electronic interactions, reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing automated control.
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
This system effectively prevents unauthorized refilling by ensuring only approved fluids are used, reducing the risk of contamination and maintaining the integrity of the dispenser contents, while also monitoring the refill level to alert for low fluid conditions or tampering attempts.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID tag disposed in the refill container and in circuit communication with the controller
Data Source
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AI summary
A counter mountable fluid dispenser includes a below deck assembly and an above deck assembly. The below deck assembly includes a reservoir for storing a fluid, a dispensing mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a controller in circuit communication with the dispensing mechanism for operation of the dispensing mechanism. The above deck assembly includes a spout defining an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing fluid stored in the reservoir upon operation of the dispensing mechanism, an external supply port in fluid communication with the reservoir by a supply passage to supply fluid to the reservoir, an access door movable between a closed position blocking access to the external supply port and an open position permitting access to the external supply port, and a switch mechanism configured to disable the dispensing mechanism when the access door is in the open position.