Touch-free dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-free dispensers lack control over motor speed and power delivery, leading to inconsistent dispensing of soap, sanitizer, or lotion, as they do not adjust power based on actual dispensing speed or time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pulse width modulation circuitry in conjunction with a processor and sensor systems to adjust the voltage pulse width, ensuring consistent dispensing speed and time by monitoring and adjusting the power delivery to the motor based on actual dispensing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pulse width modulation circuitry is added to control motor speed, then dispensing consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by sensing the actual dispensing speed and comparing it to a target speed, then adjusting the motor power delivery through pulse width modulation to maintain consistent dispensing performance despite variations in fluid viscosity or pump wear
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor operating parameters in real-time based on sensed dispensing conditions, transitioning from static motor control to adaptive control that responds to changing operational requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If motor power is increased to maintain dispensing speed, then dispensing consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power delivery through pulse width modulation, providing only the necessary motor power required to achieve target dispensing speed rather than continuous full power, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining dispensing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes motor operating parameters dynamically by adjusting pulse width modulation duty cycle based on actual dispensing performance, optimizing the balance between power delivery and energy efficiency
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
This solution ensures consistent dispensing of soap, sanitizer, or lotion by dynamically adjusting the motor speed and power delivery, maintaining the desired dispensing parameters over time, even with changes in motor wear or environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communication with the power source and the motor. The pulse width modulation circuitry is initially set to cause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed at a base speed
Implementation Method 2
A sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of an actual speed of a dispense of the fluid is also included
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary soap, sanitizer and lotion dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle for receiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizer or lotion; a pump in fluid communication with the container; a power source; a pump coupled to a motor and pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communication with the power source and the motor. The pulse width modulation circuitry is initially set to cause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed at a base speed. A sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of an actual speed of a dispense of the fluid is also included. When the actual speed of the dispense of fluid is less than the base speed or greater than the base speed, the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width to cause the speed of a following dispense of fluid to be closer to the base speed.