Oval Gear Flow Meter Liquid Dispensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing solution for self-service of windshield washer liquid by consumers from an independent vending system that can sell the liquid by volume, limiting convenience and precision in dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an oval gear flow meter, controllable valve, and processor module for precise measurement and dispensing of liquid into a target reservoir, with optional features like a payment subsystem and pressure sensor for vending and preventing system operation when the reservoir is low, ensuring accurate volume control and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an independent vending system is implemented for windshield washer liquid, then consumer convenience and self-service capability are improved, but no existing solution provides accurate volume measurement and dispensing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gravity-based dispensing with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is controlled by a microprocessor that receives signals from a flow meter and payment system, enabling precise electronic control of liquid dispensing volume rather than relying on simple mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a flow meter continuously monitors the volume of liquid being dispensed and sends this information back to the microprocessor. The microprocessor uses this feedback to control the pump operation, ensuring accurate dispensing of the purchased volume and preventing over-dispensing.
2Measurement precision
If accurate volume measurement is implemented using flow meters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the microprocessor to perform multiple functions: it controls the pump operation, processes payment transactions, monitors flow meter data, and manages system diagnostics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the payment processing system, flow measurement system, and pump control system into a single integrated vending unit. The microprocessor serves as a central hub that coordinates all these subsystems, merging their functions into one cohesive device rather than requiring separate standalone systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a controllable valve and flow meter system is used, then volume control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated self-service system where the customer simply inserts payment and selects the desired volume. The system then automatically controls the pump and valve to dispense the exact amount, eliminating the need for manual operation of complex controls while maintaining precise dispensing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the system with predetermined volume options that the customer can select via simple input. The microprocessor has these volume settings pre-programmed, so the customer doesn't need to manually adjust complex controls during operation - the system is prepared in advance with common dispensing quantities.
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 precise and reliable measured liquid dispensing directly to a consumer's recipient, meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring accurate volume control with adjustable precision settings, while allowing for vending and remote management.
Implementation Method 1
an oval gear flow meter, which provides a first pulse from a first magnet of the oval gear flow meter and a second pulse from a second magnet of the oval gear flow meter
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for measured dispending of a liquid to a target reservoir. An oval gear flow meter provides two pulses from different magnets. A pipe subsystem allows liquid from an above-ground reservoir measured through the oval gear flow meter to be controllably dispensed using a controllable valve. A processor module, upon receipt of a start-signal, opens the controllable valve and, until receipt of a stop-signal, computes a volume of the liquid dispensed by the system into the target reservoir by counting the pulses as a first and second counts. An adjustable volume-per-count value is computed with the count(s) to obtain the volume of liquid dispensed. The processor generates an error when a difference between the two counts is greater than a predetermined threshold set considering a target precision setting for the dispensing system.