Fluid Dispenser Sensor System for Remote Activation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to determine when to refill fluid dispensers without physical interaction and to track individual user usage of fluid dispensers for hygiene monitoring, as existing systems lack remote monitoring and user identification capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system attached to fluid dispensers that detects motion patterns, such as vibrations, to determine dispenser activation and collect data for remote analysis, using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and communication devices like RFID or Bluetooth for user identification, and a database of motion patterns to differentiate between actual dispensing and spurious vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor system is attached to the fluid dispenser to detect motion patterns and vibrations, then dispenser activation can be detected and user usage can be tracked, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser activation detectionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometers, gyroscopes, vibration sensors) into a single integrated sensor system attached to the dispenser. This merging approach enables simultaneous detection of motion patterns, vibrations, and dispensing events while sharing common processing and communication infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting dispenser activation, identifying user presence, tracking usage patterns, and monitoring refill needs. By creating a multi-functional sensor system that handles various detection tasks through a unified platform, the patent avoids the complexity of separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If motion sensors and communication devices are integrated into the dispenser, then remote monitoring and user identification are enabled, but the weight of the dispenser increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage data collectionVSAvoiddispenser weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical refill indication systems (such as physical gauges or manual monitoring) with electronic sensors and wireless communication devices. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical components while enabling comprehensive usage data collection and remote monitoring through lightweight electronic sensors and communication modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the sensor system collects and transmits detailed usage data, then hygiene monitoring and pattern analysis are improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor system energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system employs periodic sampling of motion patterns and vibrations rather than continuous monitoring. By detecting dispensing events at specific intervals and transmitting data in periodic batches, the system maintains reliable hygiene monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes automatic local processing and filtering of sensor data, where the sensor system itself identifies and flags significant events (such as dispensing patterns indicating refill needs) without requiring constant external communication. This self-service approach reduces transmission frequency and energy consumption while maintaining monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 remote monitoring of dispenser usage, automatic refill detection, and user-specific tracking, providing insights into hygiene habits through graphical displays and reports.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor system attached to fluid dispensers that detects motion patterns, such as vibrations, to determine dispenser activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and communication devices like RFID or Bluetooth for user identification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion detection: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 3

detects motion patterns, such as vibrations, to determine dispenser activation and collect data for remote analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20230166279A1Methods, systems, and devices for detecting and analyzing activation of a fluid dispenser

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 VITALACY INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for using a specialized sensor for detecting activation of a fluid dispenser and for using gathered data therefrom for a variety of purposes, including determining when to refill the dispenser, tracking and analyzing operation thereof, matching operation to expected or anticipated operation, and identifying specific users and specific incidents of use associated therewith. Also provided are use of remote data repositories and/or processing devices that for processing and use of such data.