Touch-Less Condiment Dispenser with Motion Sensing and UV Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condiment dispensers in high-traffic areas contribute to the spread of microbial pathogens through hand-to-nose or mouth transmission, provide inconsistent dispensing, and are difficult to sanitize, with existing touch-less dispensers not suitable for food condiments and prone to failures like condiment dumping.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free, touch-less automatic condiment dispenser using motion sensors for hands-free operation, integrated with a mobile app for condiment selection and volume control, incorporating heating/cooling elements, and an emergency shut-off valve to prevent dumping, along with UV lighting for sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional condiment dispensers are used in high traffic areas, then condiment dispensing is enabled, but microbial pathogen transmission increases through hand-to-nose or mouth contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated pump system controlled by a motion sensor. The motion sensor detects user presence and automatically activates the pump to dispense condiment, eliminating the need for hand contact with the dispenser and thereby preventing microbial transmission while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional condiment dispensers are used, then condiment dispensing is enabled, but dispensing consistency deteriorates leading to spillage and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pumping with an automated peristaltic pump mechanism that delivers precise, consistent volumes of condiment. The pump system is controlled by a microprocessor that regulates dispensing parameters, ensuring uniform portion sizes and eliminating the variability and spillage associated with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a motion sensor that detects user presence and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures the pump activates only when needed and maintains consistent operation parameters, preventing over-dispensing and spillage while ensuring reliable condiment delivery.
3Ease of operation
If conventional condiment dispensers with valves or pumps are used, then condiment dispensing is enabled, but sanitation difficulty increases due to residual condiment in hard-to-clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condiment flow path from complex valve assemblies and uses a peristaltic pump design where the pump tube can be easily removed and replaced. This extraction of the flow path simplifies the structure, eliminating hard-to-clean areas where residual condiment would accumulate, and allows for quick sanitation by simply replacing the pump tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable pump tubes that can be easily replaced. These single-use or easily replaceable components eliminate the need for complex disassembly and thorough cleaning of internal mechanisms, as each new tube provides a fresh, sanitized flow path, significantly simplifying the sanitation process.
4Ease of operation
If touch-less dispensers for soaps and cleaning products are adapted for condiments, then hands-free operation is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to condiment dumping failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple trigger mechanism of soap dispensers with a microprocessor-controlled peristaltic pump system. This substitution provides precise control over condiment flow, regulating the amount dispensed based on sensor input and preventing the uncontrolled dumping that plagues adapted touch-less dispensers, thereby maintaining hands-free operation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a microprocessor to dynamically adjust dispensing parameters such as pump speed, duration, and volume based on sensor detection and user input. This parameter control ensures reliable, consistent dispensing of appropriate amounts, preventing both under-dispensing and the problematic over-dispensing or dumping seen in simpler touch-less designs.
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 effectively reduces microbial transmission, ensures consistent and controlled dispensing, and facilitates easy sanitation, minimizing waste and operational costs by providing a hygienic and reliable condiment dispensing system.
Implementation Method 1
sensors to allow hands-free operation of the dispensing of condiments by detecting the user's presence
Implementation Method 2
UV lighting for sanitation
Data Source
AI summary
A touch-less, hands-free, automatic condiment dispenser which allows a user, through a mobile app interface, to dispense specific volumes of individual condiments. The automatic condiment dispenser includes UV LEDs for sanitation of the apparatus and temperature control for maintaining condiments at specific temperatures.