Intelligent Liquid Dispensing System with User-Adaptive Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing systems lack precision in dispensing the correct amount of liquid based on user requirements, often dispensing more or less than needed, and do not account for individual needs such as age and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent liquid dispensing system that includes a processor, storage device, and modules for customizing liquid dispensing based on user input, determining the required amount, and controlling the dispensing valve, which also incorporates sensing and payment modules for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid dispensing is controlled by time-based detection of hands under the outlet, then the system is simple to operate, but the dispensing precision and accuracy of liquid amount are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple sensors (infrared, pressure, weight) that continuously monitor user presence and liquid dispensing status, feeding this information back to the control unit which adjusts dispensing in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of liquid amount while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple time-based mechanical detection with advanced sensing technologies including infrared sensors, pressure sensors, and weight sensors. These electronic sensing systems provide more accurate measurement of user presence and liquid flow, improving precision without significantly increasing operational complexity for the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dispensing system uses fixed time-based control, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different user needs and environmental conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-time control to dynamic adaptive control. The control unit continuously adjusts dispensing parameters based on real-time sensor data including user age, environmental temperature, and actual liquid flow conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different user needs and environmental conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable control parameters including temperature sensing, user age classification, and real-time flow rate adjustment. The system modifies dispensing parameters dynamically based on detected conditions, enabling adaptability to different users and environments. The control unit processes multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize liquid delivery for each specific situation.
3Productivity
If the system dispenses liquid based on predetermined time intervals, then the operation is simple, but the productivity and efficiency of liquid delivery are reduced due to over or under dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of liquid dispensing parameters without requiring user input or intervention. Sensors automatically detect user presence, estimate user needs based on age and environmental conditions, and control the dispensing valve accordingly. This self-service capability improves liquid delivery efficiency by eliminating over-pumping and waste while maintaining simplicity of operation for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit pre-calculates optimal dispensing parameters based on detected user characteristics and environmental conditions before actual liquid delivery begins. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the correct dispensing profile in advance, improving efficiency by avoiding mid-stream adjustments and reducing total dispensing time while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid dispensing apparatus able to dispense liquid suitable for dispensor or as input according to desire of dispensor includes a liquid outlet, a valve, a liquid customizing module, a storage module, a determining module, a time calculating module, and a controlling module. The storage module stores rules as to liquid dispensable and a flow speed of liquid. According to the rules, the determining module determines liquid suitable for a dispensor or to answer an input requirement. According to the flow speed and dispensable amount, the time calculating module calculates a time for the liquid to flow. When preset condition is met, the controlling module turns the valve on. When a flow time of the liquid is reached, the controlling module turns the valve off.