Motorized Earplug Rotor Dispensing for Contactless Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earplug dispensers require mechanical manipulation, potentially transferring dirt and germs between users and lack consistent, reliable dispensing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A contactless earplug dispenser with a motorized rotor and movable gates, powered by a battery and controlled by a circuit board with sensors, allowing for hands-free operation and consistent dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical manipulation is used to dispense earplugs, then the device structure is simple, but dirt and germs are transferred between users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirt and germs transferVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated motorized system. A motor rotates a rotor that positions earplugs, and a cam mechanism with followers automatically opens gates to dispense earplugs. This substitution eliminates the need for users to touch or manually manipulate the dispenser, preventing dirt and germ transfer while automating the dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual operation is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but dispensing is inconsistent and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is designed to operate autonomously without user intervention. The motor automatically rotates the rotor to position earplugs, sensors detect when earplugs are needed and monitor dispensing, and the cam mechanism with movable gates automatically opens and closes to release earplugs. This self-service automation ensures consistent and reliable dispensing while reducing manual operation variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that provide feedback to the control system. A sensor detects when an earplug is present in the dispensing position, and another sensor monitors when dispensing should cease. This feedback mechanism ensures precise control over the dispensing process, maintaining consistency and reliability while preventing over-dispensing or malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If contactless operation is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a motor as an intermediary between the user's request and the earplug dispensing. The motor-driven rotor and cam mechanism act as intermediaries that transfer earplugs from the container to the dispensing opening without requiring direct user contact. This intermediary mechanism maintains hygiene by creating a barrier between the user and the internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4027312B1Contactless earplug dispenser

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 MOLDEX METRIC AG & CO KG

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AI summary

An earplug dispenser for contactless operation by a user having a container portion for receiving a plurality of earplugs. A dispensing portion is coupled to the container portion. The dispensing portion has a motor and a rotor coupled to the motor. The rotor has a plurality of rotor openings to receive individual earplugs in each rotor opening. The dispensing portion also has a dispensing opening. The motor rotates the rotor to dispense earplugs through the dispensing opening.