Motion Sensor Feminine Hygiene Dispenser With Time Delay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines for feminine hygiene products require physical effort, such as inserting coins or rotating handles, which can be challenging for older individuals or those with disabilities, and lack efficient mechanisms to prevent rapid dispensing of products.
Innovation Solution
A vending machine equipped with motion sensors and a computer-controlled dispensing system that allows products to be dispensed by waving a hand in front of a sensor, featuring separate columns for sanitary pads and tampons, with built-in time delays to prevent continuous dispensing and alert mechanisms for low stock, housed in a container with transparent material to facilitate motion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coin-operating mechanism is used, then product dispensing is controlled, but physical effort is required which challenges older individuals or those with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coin-operating system with an optical motion detection system. The motion sensor detects hand movements and triggers product dispensing without requiring physical insertion of coins or manipulation of mechanical components, thereby eliminating the physical effort barrier while maintaining dispensing control through electronic detection and timing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the user's own motion automatically triggers the dispensing mechanism. The motion sensor detects the user's hand movement and the computer coordinates the dispensing action, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring external coin insertion or complex mechanical interaction.
2Productivity
If rapid dispensing is allowed, then user convenience is improved, but products can be rapidly depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a time delay mechanism that controls the dispensing frequency. After each product is dispensed, the system requires a predetermined time interval before allowing the next dispensing action. This periodic restriction prevents continuous rapid depletion while still allowing convenient access within reasonable time frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the motion sensor and computer to monitor and control dispensing actions. The computer tracks the timing of each dispensing event and provides feedback control by enabling or disabling subsequent dispensing based on the predetermined time delay, thereby preventing excessive product removal while maintaining user convenience.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensor is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor and computer system serve multiple functions: detecting user presence, triggering dispensing actions, controlling timing delays, and preventing rapid depletion. By making the sensing and control system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving ease of operation.
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
Enables easy access to feminine hygiene products without physical effort, reduces the likelihood of rapid product depletion, and provides clear indicators for low stock levels, improving usability for all users, especially those with mobility issues.
Implementation Method 1
A first motion sensor, disposed at the front cover, electrically connected to the first motor, and a second motion sensor disposed at the front cover, electrically connected to the second motor
Implementation Method 2
When the supply of feminine napkins is exhausted and there are no more feminine napkins in the column, the magnet at the top of the feminine napkin column actuates or touches the left reed switch or feminine napkin reed switch
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser of feminine hygiene products, including feminine pads and tampons activated by a motion sensor. A motion of a person's hand or other object within a given distance from the motion sensor will close an electronic circuit causing a motor to rotate. The motor is attached to a shaft which rotates. The shaft retains a feminine product dispenser. The feminine product dispenser transports one of the feminine hygiene products to a retrieval tray. A time delay reduces the likelihood of or prevents someone from continuously activating the motion sensor to dispense all of the products in the machine.