Heated Fluid Reservoir Dispensing for Clean Viscous Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for viscous fluids, such as soap and personal lubricants, face issues with residual fluid left in the dispenser, leading to contamination, waste, and inefficiency, particularly when heating the fluid prior to dispensing is required.
Innovation Solution
A motion- and/or proximity-activated dispenser with a heating element that heats the fluid before dispensing, using a controller and actuator system to manage the dispensing process, ensuring minimal contact with the dispenser's perimeter and efficient fluid usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If motion-activated dispensing is used for viscous fluids, then hygiene and contamination reduction are improved, but residual fluid left in the dispenser causes mess and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid dispensing function from the main dispenser body by using a removable reservoir system. The reservoir contains the fluid and has its own dispensing mechanism, allowing the fluid to be dispensed without contacting the dispenser's internal components. This extraction eliminates the contamination issue while the removable nature of the reservoir ensures complete fluid dispensing without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressing member that acts as a mediator between the actuator and the fluid reservoir. The pressing member applies pressure to the reservoir to dispense fluid through a controlled opening, preventing direct contact between the dispenser's actuator and the fluid. This intermediary mechanism ensures hygiene while maintaining efficient fluid dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If heating element is added to warm viscous fluid, then fluid dispensability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing actuator system by integrating the heating element into the pressing member or reservoir structure. The heating element is positioned to warm the fluid directly at the dispensing point, combining thermal processing with the mechanical dispensing action. This integration improves fluid dispensability for viscous substances without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If controller and actuator system are implemented, then dispensing control and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the pressing member is automatically actuated by a simple actuator system controlled by a basic controller. The system detects user presence or input and automatically activates the pressing member to dispense the appropriate amount of fluid. This automation improves dispensing control and hygiene by eliminating manual contact, while the self-service nature keeps the control system simple and easy to operate.
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
The dispenser effectively heats and dispenses viscous fluids without residual contamination, reducing waste and improving hygiene by using a controlled actuation system that minimizes fluid contact with the dispenser's components.
Implementation Method 1
The dispenser may additionally include a temperature-control element in thermal contact with the cavity or otherwise placed to heat the fluid reservoir. The temperature-control element is preferably a heating element, such as a resistance heater.
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser may include a proximity sensor mounted in the housing and configured to detect movement within the gap. Alternatively, the sensor may be a motion detector or other sensor.
Implementation Method 3
A pressing member is positioned within the cavity and an actuator is coupled to the pressing member and configured to urge the pressing member toward and away from the opening. A fluid reservoir may be positioned within the cavity, the fluid reservoir including a neck having a pressure actuated opening at a distal end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser includes a housing, an aperture, a receptacle, a heating element, and an actuator. When a reservoir is received within the receptacle, an outlet port of the reservoir is exposed through the aperture. The heating element heats fluid housed within the reservoir. The actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of the heated fluid. In some embodiments, the heater is an inductive heater. In other embodiments, the heater is a resistive heater. The dispenser dispenses the fluid through the aperture. Another embodiment of a dispenser may include a housing, an aperture, a receptacle within the housing, an actuator configured to receive a fluid reservoir, and a power source. The power source provides power to the actuator. The power source includes an alternating current source.