Dispenser comprising a replaceable liquid container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispenser systems lack accurate and cost-effective methods for tracking the usage of replaceable liquid containers, leading to inefficient replacement and potential over-replacement of containers.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system with a detection unit that includes a pump unit with a displaceable element interacting with a rotating gear element and a magnetometer sensor, allowing for accurate tracking of liquid consumption and transmission of data to an external computer unit, along with a transponder reader unit for RFID tags on the containers for unique identification and usage monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detection unit with magnetometer sensor and rotating gear element is implemented, then measurement precision of liquid consumption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a magnetometer sensor that detects the position of a magnet attached to the pump's plunger. This substitution uses magnetic field detection instead of mechanical linkages, gears, or optical systems, thereby improving measurement precision while actually reducing device complexity. The magnetometer sensor provides accurate linear displacement measurement of the pump plunger without requiring complex mechanical transmission mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If accurate tracking of liquid consumption is implemented, then loss of time for replacement decisions is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the magnetometer sensor continuously monitors pump plunger displacement, the microcontroller calculates cumulative liquid consumption based on this data, and the system provides feedback about remaining liquid volume. This feedback mechanism enables timely container replacement decisions by accurately tracking consumption patterns and predicting when the container will be empty, thereby reducing loss of time for replacement decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating liquid consumption from pump displacement data without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller processes sensor data, tracks cumulative usage, and determines replacement timing autonomously, reducing the need for user monitoring and decision-making time while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If a foam pump unit with integrated detection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetometer sensor and magnet directly into the disposable pump unit assembly. This approach allows the entire pump unit with its sensing components to be manufactured as a single integrated component that can be easily replaced along with the liquid container. The integration simplifies manufacturing by treating the pump unit as a disposable assembly rather than a permanent component requiring high-precision alignment with separate sensors in the dispenser housing.
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 precise tracking of cumulative liquid consumption, optimizing the replacement of containers and reducing waste by providing timely alerts for refills, while being more cost-effective and space-efficient than existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer sensor for detecting a position of the plunger
Implementation Method 2
a transponder reader unit for detecting an identification data stored in a RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dispenser system comprising a dispenser and a replaceable liquid container, and a dispensing mechanism causing fluid to be discharged from the liquid container upon actuation and comprising a pump unit for discharging said liquid; said dispenser also comprising a detection unit for detecting displacement of said pump unit; and wherein information related to said displacement can be transmitted to an external computer unit. The pump unit is configured with a displaceable element which, upon actuation, has a linear motion during discharging of liquid, that the displaceable element interacts with a rotating gear element, and that the gear element is associated with a sensor of the magnetometer type.