Liquid dispensing units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public washroom fixtures often require manual operation, increasing the risk of germ transmission due to direct contact, which existing automatic systems do not adequately address in terms of hands-free operation and efficient liquid dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispenser equipped with a proximity sensor and electronic processor that adjusts the dispensation volume of soap based on the distance from the sensor, using a removable cartridge with a built-in battery for autonomous operation, allowing for varying dispensation volumes and types of liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual operation of washroom fixtures is used, then device complexity is reduced, but germ transmission risk increases due to direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated system using sensors (optical, acoustic, or capacitive) to detect user presence and trigger liquid dispensing. This eliminates the need for direct contact with fixtures while managing the complexity through integrated control circuits and power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser automatically detects when a user needs liquid through sensor input and initiates the dispensing process without manual activation. The system self-regulates the dispensing amount based on detected parameters, providing hands-free operation that reduces germ transmission while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dispensation volume is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different usage scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dispensing where the liquid volume or type is adjusted based on real-time sensor data. The system can vary dispensation parameters according to detected user characteristics, liquid level, or environmental conditions, providing adaptability while using programmable control logic to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes dispensing parameters (volume, flow rate, liquid type) based on sensor inputs and control algorithm decisions. This allows the same hardware to adapt to different scenarios by modifying operational parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices, balancing versatility with controlled complexity.
3Ease of repair
If non-removable cartridge is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dispenser into modular components: a removable cartridge containing the liquid reservoir and associated components, and a permanent housing containing the motor and control electronics. This segmentation enables easy cartridge replacement for maintenance while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a replaceable unit that can be removed and replaced when depleted or malfunctioning. This allows quick maintenance without disassembling the entire device, improving ease of repair while the modular design keeps the replacement mechanism simple and the overall device complexity controlled.
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 provides a hands-free, automated solution for liquid dispensing, reducing germ transmission risks by adjusting dispensation volume based on proximity and using a self-contained power source for extended operation without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor or a reflective type sensor configured to generate a signal representing the distance between an object and the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, motor, sensor, electronic processor, and nozzle. In certain embodiments, the sensor can be configured to generate a signal based on a distance between an object and the sensor. In certain embodiments, the electronic processor can be configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to determine a dispensation volume of the liquid. The dispensation volume can vary as a function of the distance between the object and the sensor. The processor can be configured to control the motor to dispense approximately the dispensation volume of the liquid.