Programmable Locking Dispenser for Authorized Container Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
End-user facilities often replace empty or spent containers of dispensing materials with non-original manufacturer-supplied containers, posing a challenge for the dispensing industry to ensure continued use of authorized and compatible materials.
Innovation Solution
A programmable locking dispenser system that includes a reservoir, pump/valve mechanism, controller, sensing mechanism, and input device, allowing for selective locking and unlocking based on programmed codes and events, ensuring the dispenser can only operate with authorized materials and preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispenser is made accessible and easy to use, then user convenience is improved, but unauthorized use with non-compatible containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the sensing mechanism and pump/valve mechanism. The controller receives signals from the sensing mechanism about the inserted container, verifies compatibility, and only then authorizes the pump/valve mechanism to dispense material. This intermediary layer ensures that even though the dispenser remains physically accessible and easy to use, unauthorized or incompatible containers cannot trigger dispensing action.
2Reliability
If sensing technology is added to verify container approval, then material compatibility is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The same sensing mechanism serves multiple purposes: detecting the presence of a container, verifying container approval status, and potentially tracking dispensing events. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated sensing system rather than separate mechanisms for each function, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the dispenser locks after specific events, then unauthorized use is prevented, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The dispenser can transition between locked and unlocked states based on programmed conditions and authorization codes. This allows the system to adapt to different operational scenarios: it can lock after a certain number of dispenses, lock during specific time periods, or lock when unauthorized containers are detected. The dynamic nature of the locking system maintains security while preserving operational flexibility when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable locking dispenser is provided and includes a reservoir configured to store material and release the material upon demand. A pump/valve mechanism is configured for fluid connection with the reservoir. An output structure is configured for fluid connection with the pump/valve mechanism. A controller is configured to generate and send dispensing signals to the pump/valve mechanism. The controller is further configured to store lock and unlock codes. A sensing mechanism is configured to generate activation signals upon an occurrence of an activating event and further configured to convey the activation signals to the controller. An input device is configured to receive programming signals and convey the programming signals to the controller. The controller is further configured to selectively lock and unlock the dispenser such that in a locked mode, the dispenser is disabled from use and in a locked mode, the dispenser is enabled for use.