Sensor-Controlled Bottle Filling Station Hygiene Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted liquid dispensers pose risks for virus transmission due to their design, necessitating a simple and clean alternative without a drinking fountain.
Innovation Solution
A bottle filling station with a liquid dispenser, a pan to collect dispensed liquid, and a sensor to detect the presence of a container, which controls the dispensing mechanism, optionally including a cooling system and a stainless-steel basin, without a bubbler or secondary attachments, to provide a clean and efficient liquid dispensing solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drinking fountain is included in the liquid dispenser, then users can drink directly from the dispenser, but the risk of virus transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drinking fountain component from the liquid dispenser, extracting the harmful function while preserving the beneficial dispensing function. The dispenser now only fills containers rather than allowing direct drinking, eliminating virus transmission risks associated with shared drinking surfaces.
2Reliability
If a pan is added to collect dispensed liquid, then liquid collection and spill containment improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pan is integrated into the base structure of the dispenser, merging the liquid collection function with the existing support structure. This combination allows the pan to serve dual purposes: supporting the dispenser components and collecting excess liquid, thereby reducing overall structural complexity rather than increasing it.
3Productivity
If a sensor-controlled dispensing system is implemented, then hygiene and operational efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system enables the dispenser to automatically detect and respond to user needs without manual intervention. The sensor detects when a container is positioned and automatically activates dispensing, allowing the system to serve itself by eliminating the need for users to press buttons or activate switches manually.
4Quantity of substance
If the pan width is increased to approximately 11 inches, then liquid collection capacity improves, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pan dimensions are optimized to approximately 11 inches in width, representing a specific parameter change that balances collection capacity with manufacturing considerations. This dimensional parameter was likely determined through analysis to provide sufficient collection area while controlling material usage and production costs.
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 solution reduces the risk of virus transmission by eliminating the drinking fountain and incorporating a sensor-controlled dispensing system with a pan to collect liquid, enhancing hygiene and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling system may be located below the liquid dispenser
Implementation Method 2
A sensor may detect a presence of a liquid container
Data Source
AI summary
A bottle filling station may include a liquid dispenser configured to dispense liquid. A pan may be configured to collect at least a portion of the dispensed liquid. A sensor may detect a presence of a liquid container. A controller may control the liquid dispenser to dispense liquid when the liquid container is approximately near the sensor.