Optically keyed dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key systems for dispensing mechanisms, particularly those using near field frequency response, are complex and require metal coils, making them difficult to manufacture from plastic and recycle.
Innovation Solution
An optical key system that uses an electromagnetic radiation waveguide to determine compatibility between components by measuring radiation passed through a waveguide formed by juxtaposed elements, with a control mechanism allowing operation only when the sensed radiation matches pre-selected parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If near field frequency response key systems are used to determine compatibility, then compatibility detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty arises due to requirement of metal coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic coil-based detection system with an optical detection system using light sources, waveguides, and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for metal coils and complex electronic circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining compatibility detection capability. The optical system uses light transmission through waveguide materials to verify key-container compatibility, achieving the same functional goal with simpler components.
2Reliability
If metal coils are used in key systems, then electromagnetic detection function is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates and recycling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes metal coils with optical components including light sources, waveguides made of transparent or translucent materials, and photodetectors. This replacement enables the entire key system to be manufactured from plastic materials using injection molding and other conventional plastic processing techniques, significantly improving ease of manufacture and enabling recycling through standard plastic recycling processes while maintaining the detection function.
3Reliability
If multiple metal coils are required for key detection, then compatibility verification is achieved, but loss of substance increases due to non-recyclability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal coils with an optical system comprising light sources, waveguides made of transparent or translucent plastic materials, and photodetectors. This substitution allows the entire key assembly to be manufactured from recyclable plastic materials, eliminating the need for metal recycling processes and reducing substance loss associated with non-recyclable materials while maintaining compatibility verification capability.
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 optical key system provides a cost-effective and recyclable solution for determining compatibility, enabling efficient operation of dispensing systems while reducing material complexity and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an optical key system in which two components physically juxtaposed in a latching relation provide a waveguide through which electromagnetic radiation is passed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of controlling operation of a mechanism, preferably a dispenser (10), having a removable component (12) comprising the steps of measuring electromagnetic radiation passing through a waveguide (53) 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.