Rotary Disk Dispenser UV Sanitization and Tamper Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned fluid and food dispensers are prone to contamination and tampering due to direct user access, leading to issues such as blockages and the spread of contamination among users.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system featuring a rotary disk with isolated chambers, a UV lamp for sanitization, and a camera for blockage detection, which isolates the dispensing port from the user access point and uses physical barriers and ultraviolet radiation to prevent contamination and tampering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dispensing nozzle is directly accessible to users, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination and tampering increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access to dispensing nozzleVSAvoidcontamination and tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing system is divided into separate zones: a user-accessible area and a protected dispensing area containing the nozzle. The rotary disk creates distinct positions (idle, vend, service) that segment user interaction from the actual dispensing mechanism, allowing easy operation while preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary disk acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the dispensing nozzle. Users interact with the external interface, and the rotary disk mediates this interaction by rotating to align the nozzle with the container, preventing direct access to the nozzle while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the dispensing port is isolated from the user, then contamination is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminationVSAvoiduser access to dispensing port

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary disk introduces dynamic movement to the system, rotating between different positions (idle, vend, service) to provide both protection and accessibility. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain isolation during dispensing while providing easy access during service operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary disk serves multiple functions: it protects the nozzle during idle states, enables dispensing during vend states, and provides access during service states. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single mechanism that adapts to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a shutter is used to isolate the dispensing port, then contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidshutter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism is merged with the rotary disk assembly, combining the isolation function with the positioning function. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate components while maintaining both protection and operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If UV irradiation is applied continuously, then sanitization is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesanitizationVSAvoidUV lamp energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The UV lamp operates periodically rather than continuously, activating during idle states when no dispensing is occurring. This periodic operation maintains sanitization effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

5Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary disk with multiple ports is used, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing statesVSAvoidrotary disk mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary disk with multiple ports (idle port, vend port, service port) provides universal functionality for different operational states through a single mechanism. This multi-functional design achieves high adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively prevents contamination and tampering by ensuring the dispensing port is sanitized and monitored for blockages, maintaining the hygiene and integrity of the dispensed fluid or food.

Implementation Method 1

a UV lamp mounted on the shutter that irradiates and sanitizes the point of vend port during the idle state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9417109B2Chassis assembly

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 WATERMILL EXPRESS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a rotary valve and rotary disk fluid dispensing system that sanitizes valve ports using UV radiation during non-use. Steam and ozinated water can also be used for stripping and disinfecting portions of the dispenser that can be accessed by the public. The system also uses detectors including hall detectors and a camera to inspect for blockage of valve ports, tampering or improper operation of the rotary valve disc.