Automated Fluid Dispenser with Sensor-Actuated Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beverage dispensers are inflexible, require manual operation, and pose hygiene concerns due to increased points of contact, leading to bacterial and viral transmission, and are inefficient in storage and disposal.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid dispenser system that interfaces with various liquid containers, minimizing manual contact through a pump and dispenser subsystem, and includes sensory and user interface components for controlled fluid dispensing, with materials selected for durability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional beverage dispensers use manual faucets for dispensing, then users can dispense beverages, but hygiene is compromised due to increased points of contact facilitating bacterial and viral transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical faucet operation with an automated pump system controlled by sensors. The pump subsystem automatically dispenses fluid based on sensor detection of receptacle presence, eliminating the need for users to manually touch or operate faucets, thereby removing the point of contact that facilitates pathogen transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a receptacle is positioned and initiating fluid dispensing without human intervention. The sensory subsystem detects receptacle presence and the pump subsystem automatically controls the dispensing process, making the system serve itself and the user without requiring manual operation.
2Reliability
If traditional beverage dispensers use proprietary containers, then the dispensers can function, but adaptability is reduced as containers cannot be exchanged for other types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dispenser system with universal compatibility across multiple container types including milk cartons, juice gallons, water bottles, and other retail beverage containers. The pump subsystem and fluid reservoir interface are designed to work with various container configurations, allowing a single dispenser to serve multiple functions and accept different container types without requiring proprietary specialized containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different container types through sensor-based detection and automated pump control. The pump subsystem can adjust its operation based on the specific container being used, allowing the dispenser to maintain reliable function across diverse container formats rather than requiring a fixed proprietary container design.
3Ease of operation
If traditional beverage dispensers require manual filling and draining, then the dispensers can be used, but productivity is reduced due to additional processes required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispenser system performs filling and draining operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The pump subsystem handles fluid transfer from various container types into the fluid reservoir and subsequently dispenses fluid to receptacles, eliminating the manual labor required for filling and draining operations and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning and connecting containers to the fluid reservoir interface before dispensing begins. The sensor system detects container presence and the pump system automatically initiates fluid transfer, preparing the system for dispensing without requiring manual filling steps, thereby streamlining the operational process.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional dispensers are large in size, then they can retain sufficient beverage quantity, but storage becomes problematic as they do not fit in common refrigerators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beverage storage system into two segments: a removable fluid reservoir that can be detached from the dispenser housing, and the dispenser unit itself. This segmentation allows the fluid reservoir containing the beverage to be stored separately in refrigerators or coolers when not in use, while the compact dispenser unit occupies minimal counter space. The reservoir can be easily removed and replaced, enabling flexible storage solutions that accommodate both beverage quantity requirements and limited storage space.
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 automated system reduces bacterial transmission, optimizes storage and disposal, and enhances user convenience by allowing hands-free dispensing from multiple container types, improving hygiene and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pump subsystem comprises a pump and a pipeline, the pipeline configured to receive a volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir and pump the volume of fluid through the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide an automated fluid dispenser that comprises a housing, a pump subsystem, a dispenser subsystem, and a receptacle sensor. The housing defines an enclosure that covers one or more subsystems and provides an interface for attachment to a fluid reservoir. The receptacle sensor is configured to detect a fluid receptacle within a detected distance and transmit an activation signal to the pump subsystem to pump a volume of fluid. The volume of fluid is dispensed via the dispenser subsystem to a fluid receptacle. In embodiments, the volume of fluid is proportional to a detection distance or a detection time. In embodiments, the automated fluid dispenser is configured with a display device to provide one or more graphical user interface elements.