Magnetic Product-Level Indicator for Opaque Dispenser Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for disinfectants and cleaning solutions often lack a reliable method to indicate when the product level in the container is low, leading to potential insufficient quantities for effective cleaning or disinfecting, and non-compliance with regulatory requirements regarding product concentration and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system utilizing magnetic elements to detect the weight of the product remaining in the container, with a magnetic force system that moves a container holder and triggers an indicator when the product level reaches a predetermined threshold, allowing for visual or sensor-based alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is made opaque or hidden to protect the disinfectant from degradation, then the product is protected from deterioration, but the operator cannot visually inspect the product level
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic indicator system acts as an intermediary between the hidden container and the operator. Magnetic elements attached to the container interact with stationary magnetic elements in the housing to provide visual indication of product level through an indicator window, allowing monitoring without compromising container protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct visual inspection of the container contents with a magnetic field-based indication system. Magnetic forces transmit information about product level to an external indicator, eliminating the need for transparent containers or opening the container to check levels
2Device complexity
If no product level indication system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operator cannot detect low product levels in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic elements serve as intermediaries that automatically detect product level changes and transmit this information to visual indicators. The magnetic interaction between holder magnetic elements on the container and stationary magnetic elements in the housing provides continuous monitoring without complex electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic indication system is self-actuating based on the weight and position of the container. As product is dispensed and the container becomes lighter, the magnetic forces automatically adjust the indicator position to reflect the current product level, requiring no external power or control systems
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
Ensures timely replenishment of products, maintains compliance with regulatory standards, and prevents downtime due to insufficient product levels, while providing accurate monitoring of the remaining product weight.
Implementation Method 1
A first holder magnetic element and a first stationary magnetic element interact to create a first magnetic force therebetween. The first magnetic force may be directed along a container axis.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a dispenser for dispensing a product. The dispenser has a housing, a container, a container holder and a first holder magnetic element positioned on the container holder. The first holder magnetic element and a first stationary magnetic element interact to create a first magnetic force. The first magnetic force can induce the container holder to move. The position of the container holder along an axis of the container holder is correlated with the weight of the product remaining in the container. An indicator may alert user regarding the amount of product remaining in the container based on the position of the container holder.