Touchless Beverage Dispenser Valve with Optical Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice and beverage dispensing systems pose a risk of pathogen spread due to customer contact with valves, compromising sanitation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A touchless beverage valve assembly utilizing a solenoid-operated valve controlled by an optical sensor and controller, which detects the presence of a receptacle and user gesture, allowing for contactless operation and providing visual feedback on operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual valve is used for beverage dispensing, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but customers must directly contact the valve which compromises sanitation and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical valve operation with an automated solenoid-operated valve system. The solenoid actuates the valve based on optical sensor detection, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between customers and the valve mechanism while maintaining dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the customer and the valve system. The sensor detects customer presence or gesture without physical contact and triggers the solenoid to operate the valve, serving as a non-contact mediator that preserves sanitation while enabling operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a touchless valve system is implemented, then sanitation is improved by eliminating contact, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation is replaced with an automated control system comprising optical sensors and a solenoid actuator. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact points while using electromagnetic fields for actuation, reducing pathogen transmission risks despite increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system performs self-activation through optical sensor detection of customer presence or gesture. The system automatically triggers the solenoid and valve operation without requiring manual intervention, making the complexity management self-service oriented while maintaining sanitation.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it requires direct customer contact with the dispensing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that detects customer intent through presence or gesture without physical contact. This intermediary translates non-contact customer actions into valve operation commands, achieving contactless ease of operation while managing system complexity through intelligent sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with optical detection and electromagnetic actuation. The solenoid converts electrical signals from the optical sensor into mechanical valve movement, enabling contactless operation while managing the complexity through efficient electromechanical conversion.
4Loss of information
If visual feedback is added to indicate operational status, then user experience is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual feedback mechanisms such as LED indicators that change color or illumination state to communicate operational status to users. This provides intuitive information about valve status and system operation, enhancing user understanding while managing complexity through standard visual signaling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback loops that provide real-time information about operational status to users. This feedback mechanism reduces information loss by clearly communicating system state, improving user experience while managing complexity through standardized feedback components.
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
Enhances sanitation and safety by eliminating direct customer contact with dispensing mechanisms, improving user experience while maintaining ease of use and reducing labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid is operatively connected to the valve and configured to operate the valve between an open condition and a closed condition
Implementation Method 2
A trigger sensor includes an optical sensor and a controller. The controller executes a trigger sensor control module to receive an output from the optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless beverage dispensing valve assembly includes a nozzle and a valve configured to control a flow of a substance through the valve to the nozzle. A solenoid is configured to operate the valve between open and closed conditions. A trigger sensor includes an optical sensor and a controller. The controller executes a trigger sensor control module to receive an output from the optical sensor and operate the solenoid to control the valve between the open condition and the closed condition. A feedback device is operable to selectively provide a visual indication an operational status of the valve.