Method providing superimposed QR code for dispenser and replaceable reservoir

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product dispensers face revenue loss when customers use third-party refill cartridges, as existing lockout systems are costly, complex, and not entirely effective in preventing the use of non-manufacturer products.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system with a machine-readable code formed by superimposing markings on the reservoir and housing, allowing tracking of refill history and providing incentives for using original manufacturer cartridges, using barcodes or RFID tags to identify and communicate with users and servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manufacturer-specific lockout system is implemented to prevent use of third-party refill products, then revenue loss is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against third-party productsVSAvoidcomplexity of lockout system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the housing code and cartridge code into a single superimposed machine-readable code. The housing contains a first code portion, and the cartridge contains a second code portion that aligns with it when inserted. Together they form a complete code that can be read by a scanner, creating a simple yet effective verification system without complex mechanical or electronic lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a scanning device as an intermediary between the code verification system and the control system. The scanner reads the superimposed code and transmits the signal to a controller, which then determines whether to enable dispenser operation. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to direct complex lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a manufacturer-specific lockout system is implemented to prevent use of third-party refill products, then revenue loss is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against third-party productsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of lockout system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the housing code and cartridge code into a single superimposed machine-readable code. The housing contains a first code portion, and the cartridge contains a second code portion that aligns with it when inserted. Together they form a complete code that can be read by a scanner, creating a simple yet effective verification system without complex mechanical or electronic lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a scanning device as an intermediary between the code verification system and the control system. The scanner reads the superimposed code and transmits the signal to a controller, which then determines whether to enable dispenser operation. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to direct complex lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a lockout system is implemented to prevent third-party products, then revenue protection is improved, but ease of replacement operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against third-party productsVSAvoidease of replacement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the housing code and cartridge code into a single superimposed machine-readable code. The housing contains a first code portion, and the cartridge contains a second code portion that aligns with it when inserted. Together they form a complete code that can be read by a scanner, creating a simple yet effective verification system without complex mechanical or electronic lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a scanning device as an intermediary between the code verification system and the control system. The scanner reads the superimposed code and transmits the signal to a controller, which then determines whether to enable dispenser operation. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to direct complex lockout mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10671902B2Method providing superimposed QR code for dispenser and replaceable reservoir

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 OP HYGIENE IP GMBH

AI summary

A dispenser with a replaceable cartridge containing a product to be dispensed, and a housing configured to removably receive the cartridge. The cartridge has a surface that is marked with a first marking, and the housing has a surface that is marked with a second marking. The housing is configured so that, when the cartridge is received by the housing, the first marking and the second marking together form a machine readable code that is detectable from outside of the housing.