Fluid Dispensing Valve Control for Hands-Free Flow and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid-dispensing systems do not operate in a hands-free mode, requiring manual adjustment for desired flow rate and temperature, leading to inefficiencies and fluid waste.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-dispensing system utilizing a processor, PWM modules, timers, and motors to control valve stems for hands-free adjustment of fluid flow rate and temperature, enabling independent control through remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of flow rate and temperature is used, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring hands-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of valves with an automated electronic control system. A processor receives signals from remote devices (foot pedal, push button, or voice recognition system) and automatically adjusts the flow rate and temperature by controlling valve actuators, eliminating the need for manual hands-on operation while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices between the user and the fluid dispensing system. Remote control devices such as foot pedals, push buttons, or voice recognition systems serve as mediators that transmit user intent to the processor, which then automatically adjusts the valves, enabling hands-free operation without direct mechanical manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If automated control system is added for hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal processor-based control system that can handle multiple input methods (foot pedal, push button, voice recognition) through a single integrated architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform hands-free operation, conventional operation, and various adjustment modes without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically process user input and execute valve adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention. The processor autonomously interprets signals from remote devices, calculates the appropriate valve positions, and actuates the valves, making the system self-sufficient in managing the control complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If remote control devices are provided for hands-free operation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with an automated electronic control system that responds to remote device inputs. This substitution enables users to control flow rate and temperature without leaving their position or contaminating their hands, significantly improving operational efficiency in applications requiring hands-free operation while the integrated processor manages the control complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid-dispensing systems and methods relating thereto are described. A method of dispensing an output fluid stream includes: (i) receiving a temperature setting for a desired temperature of the output fluid stream and a mechanical disturbance for a desired flow rate of the output fluid stream; (ii) converting each of the temperature setting and the mechanical disturbance to a first valve PWM signal and a second valve PWM signal; (iii) conveying the first PWM signal to a first motor and the second PWM signal to a second motor; and (iv) activating the first motor to open the first valve to produce a first fluid flow at a first fluid flow rate and second motor and the first motor to open the second valve to produce a first fluid flow at a first fluid flow rate. The combination of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow produces the desired output fluid stream.