Modular Fluid Dispensing System with Nonlinear Remote Pump Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic soap dispensers require proprietary components and direct contact with soap, leading to reduced pump life and moisture loss, and necessitate a vertical linear arrangement, limiting flexibility and compatibility with different soap containers.
Innovation Solution
A modularized fluid dispensing system with a flow-out member, fluid displacement mechanism, and reservoir that can have a nonlinear relationship and be positioned remotely, using insulated connectivity and a peristaltic pump to isolate fluid from components, allowing for flexible placement and compatibility with generic soap containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump mechanism is used to displace soap by direct contact, then the pump can effectively move the fluid, but the pump life is reduced and moisture is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid-displacing member (such as a peristaltic pump element) that indirectly displaces soap through a flexible tube or conduit rather than direct contact. The intermediary tube allows the pump mechanism to move the fluid without the mechanical components touching the soap, thereby maintaining pump life and preventing moisture loss while still achieving effective fluid displacement.
2Reliability
If proprietary components are used for tight integration, then the system operates reliably, but compatibility with different soap containers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal, standardized components rather than proprietary ones. The fluid dispensing system uses generic containers and standardized connection interfaces that can work with multiple soap container types from different manufacturers. This universality maintains reliable operation through proper sealing and connection mechanisms while enabling compatibility with various container designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular, independently replaceable components including the container, pump mechanism, and dispensing head. This segmentation allows different container types to be used with the same pump system, as long as basic connection requirements are met, thereby maintaining reliability while improving versatility.
3Device complexity
If components are arranged in vertical linear close proximity, then connectivity is simplified, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a strictly vertical linear arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed configuration. Components such as the pump, container, and dispensing head can be positioned at different locations and orientations, connected by flexible tubes and conduits. This dimensional flexibility reduces the need for minimal vertical clearance while maintaining functional connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible tubes and conduits serve as intermediaries that connect components regardless of their spatial separation. These intermediaries allow components to be positioned remotely from one another in non-linear arrangements, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining reliable fluid transport and system connectivity.
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 extended pump life, reduces moisture loss, and allows for space-saving, non-linear installation, enabling use with various soap containers and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
fluid displacement mechanism that displaces fluid... using insulated connectivity and a peristaltic pump to isolate fluid from components
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a fluid dispensing system that includes modularized components such as a flow-out member from which fluid dispenses, fluid displacement mechanism, including electronics associated therewith and a reservoir for storage of fluid. The flow-out member, fluid displacement mechanism, and components constituting the fluid dispensing system including the reservoir may have one of a linear or nonlinear cooperative relationship in terms of connectivity and operation, and may be positioned in one of a close proximity or remote locations from one another. Flow out member is provided that may moved in more that one direction to refill reservoir.