Liquid Dispenser Sensor Timing to Prevent False Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product dispensers for flowable liquids often undesirably dispense products when the sensor is obstructed by the liquid itself, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system utilizing a processor connected to a sensor and a motor-driven pump, which employs timers and counters to manage dispensing based on object presence and clear times to prevent obstruction-induced dispensing errors, including features like a dispense counter and visual indicators to control and limit dispensing cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sensor is used to detect object presence for automated dispensing, then dispensing automation is improved, but false dispensing occurs when the sensor is obstructed by liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting multiple timers (first timer for object clear time, second timer for extended clear time) and counters before dispensing occurs. These timers are pre-configured with specific time periods to detect and respond to sensor obstruction conditions before false dispensing can occur, allowing the system to anticipate and prevent erroneous dispensing events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor status and provides feedback through the timer and counter mechanisms. When the sensor detects an object, the system activates timers that monitor the duration of the detection. If the detection persists beyond predetermined thresholds (comparing counter values to threshold values), the system adjusts dispensing behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents false dispensing while maintaining automated operation.
2Reliability
If timers and counters are added to prevent false dispensing, then dispensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: a first timer for initial object clear time detection, a second timer for extended clear time detection, and a dispense counter for tracking dispensing events. Each timer and the counter operate with specific time periods and threshold values, dividing the complex control logic into manageable, independent segments that can be implemented and maintained separately while working together to prevent false dispensing.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor detection threshold is lowered to improve sensitivity, then object detection accuracy is improved, but unwanted dispensing increases due to liquid obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the duration of sensor detection rather than using a fixed threshold. By implementing multiple timers with different time periods (first timer for shorter clear time, second timer for longer clear time) and comparing counter values to threshold values, the system adapts its dispensing behavior according to how long the sensor remains activated, allowing sensitive detection of genuine objects while filtering out transient signals caused by liquid obstruction.
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 effectively reduces unwanted dispensing by using timing and counting mechanisms to ensure accurate and controlled dispensing of flowable liquids, even when the sensor is obstructed, enhancing operational efficiency and user control.
Implementation Method 1
The proximity sensor may include, for example, an infrared sensor or other sensor configured to detect the proximity of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.