Automated Hotel Amenity Refilling Station with RFID and Scale Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems for hotel amenities are inefficient, requiring constant operator vigilance, prone to damage, and involve excessive labor and fluid spillage, with no comprehensive solution for automating the refill process of reusable jars from bulk containers.
Innovation Solution
A desktop filling station with a microprocessor-based control system using a low shear disc pump for precise laminar fluid flow, integrated with RFID tags for container identification and real-time weight monitoring, automated fluid flow control, and a structured framework for efficient dispensing and refilling of hotel amenities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling of reusable jars is performed using hand pumping or funnels, then the process can be completed, but operator labor intensity increases and fluid spillage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses RFID tags on both bulk containers and reusable jars that automatically identify and match containers, eliminating the need for operators to manually check compatibility. The system self-regulates the refilling process based on container identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual hand pumping with an automated pump system controlled by a processor. The pump is fluidly coupled to both the bulk container and reusable jar, enabling automated fluid transfer without operator intervention
2Productivity
If operators manually monitor and stop flow when refilling jars, then refilling can be performed, but constant operator vigilance is required and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates weight sensors that continuously monitor the weight of reusable jars during refilling. The processor receives real-time weight data and automatically stops the pump when the jar reaches its target weight, providing continuous feedback control without operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks refilling status and stops the process when complete, eliminating the need for operators to continuously monitor and manually stop the flow
3Reliability
If bulk source container fluid connectivity is manually removed when empty, then the system can be reset, but operational efficiency is lost and equipment may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor continuously monitors the bulk source container weight and provides feedback to the processor. When the container is empty or near-empty, the system automatically stops the pump and can raise the bulk container tower assembly, preventing damage and maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the bulk container is empty and stops the refilling process, eliminating the need for operators to manually intervene and potentially damage equipment
4Reliability
If operators check compatibility between bulk source container and reusable fill jar, then correct refilling can be ensured, but constant checking and rechecking increases labor demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal RFID tags that can identify and match different types of bulk containers and reusable jars. The processor contains a database of container characteristics and automatically determines compatibility, making the system adaptable to various container types without requiring operator expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically verifies compatibility between bulk containers and reusable jars through RFID identification and processor-based matching algorithms, eliminating the need for operators to manually check compatibility
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 system enables accurate, efficient, and automated refilling of reusable containers with reduced operator intervention, minimizing damage and spillage, while providing precise control and adaptability to various liquid viscosities and container sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The nature of the fluids dispensed by the filling station are controlled and maintained by laminar fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a low shear disc pump controlled by the filling station microprocessor-based control, the pump centered in a fluidly connected passage for sucking a discharge liquid through a suction tube from a bulk source container
Data Source
AI summary
Hotel amenity fluid dispensing assemblies, systems, and methods for refilling empty reuseable jars from a source container positioned on separate scales within a housing. Each container/jar provides an RFID tag identity read by its respective scale RFID reader to provide selective operational parameters. Separate housing tower assemblies are fluidly connected to the central pumping assembly between the tower assemblies to draw product from the source container to the fill jar. Microprocessor-based control is electrically coupled to the pumping assembly, the scales, and RFID readers to turn fluid flow on and off. The control actuates the pumping assembly to dispense a precise amount of the fluid based upon the RFID identity and real time scale readings and activates tower assembly manifold movement to allow for replacement of empty source and full fill jars.