Touch-Free Pressurized Can Dispenser with Sensor Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual dispensing of pressurized products like sanitizers and lotions from cans can lead to cross-contamination, as it requires physical contact with the container.

Innovation Solution

A touch-free dispenser system that uses a sensor to detect the presence of hands and an actuator assembly to tilt the nozzle on the can, allowing for automatic dispensing without direct contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual dispensing is used, then the device complexity is low, but cross-contamination occurs due to hand contact

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator assembly includes a motor, gear train, and linkage mechanism that automatically tilts the nozzle in response to sensor detection, eliminating the need for hand contact while maintaining dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system between the user and the dispensing mechanism. The sensor detects hand presence and triggers the actuator, serving as a mediator that enables touch-free operation and prevents cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic dispensing is implemented, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator assembly includes a motor, gear train, and linkage mechanism that automatically tilts the nozzle in response to sensor detection, eliminating the need for hand contact while maintaining dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it detects user presence through the sensor, processes the signal, and mechanically actuates the nozzle tilt. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If touch-free dispensing is used, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser system performs the dispensing action automatically upon detecting user presence. The sensor triggers the actuator mechanism without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for users to physically contact or operate the dispenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator assembly includes a motor, gear train, and linkage mechanism that automatically tilts the nozzle in response to sensor detection, eliminating the need for hand contact while maintaining dispensing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 hygienic, hands-free dispensing of products, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and improving user safety in sanitary environments.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor which senses the presence of a user's hands near the dispenser housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS8342365B2Touch-free pressurized can dispenser

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

An automatic touch-free dispenser provides dose dispensing of a product from a pressurized can by sensing or detecting the presence of a user's hands, and an actuator assembly which tilts the nozzle on the can in response to such detection, to thereby dispense product from the can. The can may hold a healthcare product, such as a sanitizer, food product, or any other fluid product pressurized in a can. The actuator assembly includes a DC motor which drives a cam, which in turn pushes an actuator lever into the nozzle for a certain dispensing time. The number of doses, detection range, and motor speed, can be adjusted.