Pump Actuating Cap with Piezoelectric Pulse Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pump dispensers lack accurate measurement of small liquid quantities and are energy-inefficient, with existing sensors being inaccurate for microliter measurements and consuming excessive battery power, and face challenges in integrating electronic components without affecting the dispenser's design or causing electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A pump actuating cap with an electronic circuit, power source, antenna, and electric pulse generator that uses kinetic energy from user input to activate the circuit, counting pump activations to determine product level without conventional sensors, allowing for remote monitoring and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors (ultrasound, optic, pressure, capacitive) are used to measure liquid level, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for small amounts of liquids (microliters) and energy consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic sensors (ultrasound, optic, pressure, capacitive) with a mechanical counting system. An electric pulse generator detects pump actuations mechanically, and an electronic circuit counts these pulses to determine product consumption. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous sensor operation, achieving both microliter-level measurement precision and minimal energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pump's own actuation mechanism as the measurement trigger. Each pump activation automatically generates an electric pulse that is counted, making the measurement process self-driven without requiring external sensor activation or additional energy input beyond the pump operation itself.
2Extent of automation
If electronic components (sensors, communication modules, batteries) are integrated into the dispenser, then remote monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and electromagnetic interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex sensor systems and communication modules, retaining only the essential electronic components needed for pulse counting and data transmission. The electric pulse generator and minimal electronic circuitry are integrated into the pump actuator, while communication with external devices occurs through established protocols, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump actuator serves multiple functions: it actuates the pump mechanism, generates electric pulses for counting, and houses the electronic circuit for data processing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining remote monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used for liquid level measurement, then measurement function is provided, but the dispenser design must be modified or adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement function directly into the existing pump actuator component. The electric pulse generator and electronic circuit are integrated into the actuator housing, which is then attached to the pump in the same manner as conventional actuators. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor assemblies and modifications to the dispenser structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into modular components: the electric pulse generator, electronic circuit, and communication module are contained within the pump actuator as a self-contained unit. This segmentation allows the actuator to be manufactured and tested independently, then integrated into various dispenser configurations without requiring redesign of the entire dispenser system.
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 accurate and energy-efficient monitoring of product consumption with minimal component integration, reducing the need for frequent battery recharging and maintaining the dispenser's design integrity, while providing reliable remote tracking of product usage.
Implementation Method 1
The electric pulse generator comprises a displaceable bottom cover mounted inside the housing in a displaceable manner, and a piezoelectric member arranged such as the displacement of the bottom cover actuates the piezoelectric member to generate an electric pulse
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2D
AI summary
The invention refers to a pump actuating cap for a pump dispenser, the cap comprising a housing configured to be coupled with a pump to operate the pump. The cap further comprising: an electronic circuit, a power source to feed the electronic circuit, at least one antenna connected with the electronic circuit, and at least one pulse generator to activate the electronic circuit, and wherein the circuit, the power source, the antenna and the pulse generator are enclosed inside the housing. The pulse generator is arranged to be actuated by contacting with a pump, when the housing is operatively coupled with a pump. The electronic circuit has stored an unique identification code usable to identify the pump actuating cap, and wherein the electronic circuit is adapted such as when it is activated by the pulse generator, a signal containing the dispenser unique identification code, is transmitted by the antenna.