Hygiene Dispenser Control Using Time-of-Flight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers relying on object reflectivity and proximity sensors often require objects to be very close to trigger the dispensing function, leading to inadvertent operation risks and limited operational range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a time-of-flight sensor that emits energy and measures the time for reflection to calculate object distance, allowing for reliable operation at greater distances and minimizing false triggers, with adjustable sample rates to optimize power consumption and functional zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reflectivity-based sensor is used to detect objects, then the dispenser can trigger the dispensing function, but the object must be very close to the sensor to avoid inadvertent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from reflectivity-based to time-of-flight-based measurement. This allows the system to accurately measure distance regardless of object reflectivity or environmental conditions, enabling reliable operation at greater distances without false triggers. The time-of-flight sensor measures the actual time for light to travel to and from the object, providing precise distance data that resolves the contradiction between avoiding false operation and enabling distant operation.
2Reliability
If the threshold is set to a relatively large value to avoid false triggers, then inadvertent operation is prevented, but the object must be very close to trigger dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical threshold-based detection system with a time-of-flight measurement system. Instead of using a fixed reflectivity threshold that limits detection range, the system directly measures the time for light to travel to and from the object, calculating precise distance. This substitution eliminates the need to adjust thresholds and provides accurate detection at varying distances, resolving the contradiction between false trigger prevention and detection range.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at a high sample rate to accurately track object position, then object position and velocity can be determined, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling rate adjustment where the sensor operates at different sample rates based on detected object presence and activity level. When objects are detected or movement is suspected, the sample rate increases to accurately track position and calculate velocity. When no objects are present, the sample rate decreases to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-sample-rate detection mode and low-power standby mode. During high-activity periods when objects are detected, the sensor takes frequent measurements to track position accurately. During low-activity periods, it reduces sampling frequency significantly, maintaining the ability to detect objects while minimizing power consumption. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between continuous accurate tracking and energy conservation.
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 dispensers to operate reliably at larger distances while reducing the risk of false activations, improving user convenience and energy efficiency by accurately determining object position and velocity for intuitive function control.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight sensor for measuring a position of an object relative to the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
The time-of-flight sensor is configured to emit pulses of light and to detect the reflection of the reflected pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser is provided for dispensing a hygiene product. The dispenser includes, comprising a time-of-flight sensor for measuring a position of an object relative to the dispenser; and a controller configured to selectively operate at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser. A method of operating at least one function of a dispenser for dispensing a hygiene product is also provided. The method includes measuring with a time-of-flight sensor a position of an object relative to the dispenser; and using a controller to selectively operate the at least one function of the dispenser based on the measured position of the object relative to the dispenser.