Lever Dispenser Rotary Potentiometer for Accurate Fluid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual product dispensers face challenges in accurately measuring fluid dispensing due to variations in user-applied forces, leading to inconsistencies in electrical energy generation and fluid volume estimation, particularly with fast successive short strokes where the electrical generator may not produce power or provide accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus with a rotary potentiometer sensor mechanically coupled to the lever, which measures the relative movement of the lever over time, allowing for accurate estimation of fluid discharged and angular movement, thereby overcoming the inconsistencies in fluid dispensing and energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electrical generator is used to estimate fluid dispensed, then electrical energy can be generated from manual lever movement, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variations in user-applied forces and stroke patterns
Solution Approach 1:
A potentiometer sensor is introduced as an intermediary measurement device between the lever and the control system. The potentiometer directly measures lever position and movement characteristics without being affected by the variations in force application, providing accurate data for fluid dispensed estimation regardless of user stroke patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical generator-based measurement system with a potentiometer-based electrical measurement system. Instead of using mechanical force to generate electrical energy for measurement purposes, the potentiometer converts mechanical lever movement directly into electrical signals for accurate measurement, decoupling the measurement accuracy from the variability of user-applied forces
2Productivity
If the lever is moved in fast successive short strokes, then fluid can be dispensed quickly, but the electrical generator fails to produce power or provide accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The potentiometer-based measurement system replaces the generator-based system, allowing accurate measurement of lever movement regardless of stroke duration or succession rate. The potentiometer can detect even brief lever movements and convert them into accurate electrical signals for fluid dispensed estimation, enabling reliable operation during fast successive short strokes
3Ease of operation
If manual force variations are allowed for natural operation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent lever velocity and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The potentiometer serves as an intermediary that directly measures lever position without being influenced by the dynamics of force application. It provides accurate electrical signals corresponding to lever movement regardless of variations in velocity, acceleration, or force magnitude, maintaining measurement precision while allowing natural and varied operation patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from the potentiometer to accurately determine fluid dispensed based on measured lever movement characteristics. This feedback mechanism compensates for variations in operation style, ensuring accurate measurement and appropriate pump control regardless of how the user moves the lever
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 solution ensures accurate fluid measurement and indication of dispenser activation even with rapid succession of short strokes, providing reliable monitoring of fluid levels and user feedback on fluid dosage, ensuring proper operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary potentiometer sensor, which measures the relative movement of the lever over time
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing apparatus in which product is dispensed by moving, preferably by manually applied forces from a user, an actuation mechanism, preferably a lever, from a first position to a second position and in which a potentiometer sensor, preferably a rotary potentiometer sensor, senses the relative movement of the actuation mechanism with time and permits the amount of fluid dispensed to be accurately calculated.