Optical Keyed Dispenser Using Waveguide Compatibility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near field frequency response-based key devices for dispensing systems are complex and require metal coils, making them difficult to manufacture from plastic and hinder recycling.
Innovation Solution
An optical key system using a wave guide to transmit electromagnetic radiation, where compatibility is determined by measuring radiation passing through the guide against pre-selected parameters, allowing the dispenser to operate only when the radiation matches specified criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If near field frequency response-based key devices are used, then compatibility determination is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty arises due to requirement of metal coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic field-based near field frequency response system with an optical system using wave guides and light transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for complex metal coils and electronic circuits, achieving compatibility determination through optical properties of materials while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from electromagnetic frequency response to optical transmission characteristics. By measuring light transmission properties through wave guides made of different materials with distinct optical signatures, the system achieves compatibility verification without requiring complex electronic components
2Reliability
If metal coils are used in key devices, then compatibility verification is enabled, but ease of manufacture deteriorates and recycling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes metal coil-based electromagnetic systems with plastic wave guide-based optical systems. This allows the entire key device to be manufactured from plastic materials using injection molding and other conventional plastic processing techniques, dramatically improving ease of manufacture and enabling recycling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses plastic materials with specific optical properties to create wave guides that provide unique transmission characteristics. These plastic composite materials combine structural functionality with optical identification properties, eliminating the need for metal components while maintaining compatibility verification capabilities
3Ease of manufacture
If optical key system with wave guide is used, then ease of manufacture improves and recyclability increases, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wave guides as intermediary optical elements between the light source and sensor. These wave guides transmit light over distances and around corners, allowing the use of less precise sensors while maintaining system accuracy. The wave guide acts as a mediator that preserves optical signal integrity without requiring direct line-of-sight measurement
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and recyclable dispensing system by simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring compatibility between refill containers and dispensing systems through optical keying, reducing complexity and material constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation wave guide having an inlet and an outlet and providing a path for transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic radiation sensor is carried on the activation unit sensing electromagnetic radiation from the wave guide by the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser, having a removable component comprises measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a wave guide carrying at least in part on the removable component and permitting operation of the mechanism only when the measured electromagnetic radiation corresponds with one or more pre-selected parameters. Preferably, the method involves directing emitted electromagnetic radiation with pre-selected input parameters selected from a plurality of input parameters.