Motion Sensor Hygiene Dispenser with Time Delay Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machines for feminine hygiene products require physical actions such as inserting coins or rotating handles, which can be difficult 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, and incorporates time delays to prevent continuous dispensing and alert users when stock is low, using a motherboard with connected sensors, motors, and reed switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coin-operating mechanism is used, then product security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coin-operating system with a motion sensor-based detection system. The motion sensor detects hand movements and triggers product dispensing through an electronic control system, eliminating the need for physical coin insertion while maintaining product security through controlled dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion sensor as an intermediary between the user and the product dispensing system. The sensor detects motion and translates it into a signal for the control system, serving as a mediator that simplifies user interaction while maintaining system control.
2Productivity
If rapid dispensing is allowed, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by requiring a time delay between dispensing operations. The control system prevents continuous rapid dispensing by enforcing a minimum time interval between motions, allowing the mechanism to reset and preventing product depletion while maintaining efficient service intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control where the system monitors dispensing operations and provides feedback signals to prevent excessive product removal. The control system tracks dispensing events and uses this information to regulate subsequent dispensing actions, ensuring product availability is maintained.
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 and prevents rapid depletion by using motion sensors for dispensing and time delays, making it accessible for all users while maintaining product availability.
Implementation Method 1
A left motion sensor, also referred to as a first feminine hygiene product motion sensor, is affixed to the rear of a front door
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 in another embodiment, comes in contact with the reed switch
Implementation Method 3
Upon activation, the shaft rotates by one-hundred eighty (180) degrees and the first and second product dispensing member combined with gravity cause the lowermost feminine hygiene product to fall into a product retrieving tray
Implementation Method 4
the first and second product dispensing member combined with gravity cause the lowermost feminine hygiene product to fall into a product retrieving tray
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser of 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 product dispenser. The product dispenser transports one of the 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.