Touchless Dispenser Using Sensor-Controlled Valve for Hygienic Product Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for fluent products, such as hand soaps and sanitizers, require manual actuation, leading to the transfer of germs between the user and the dispenser, and touchless dispensers are often limited in application and require specific aerosol containers.
Innovation Solution
A touchless dispenser system that uses an electrically controlled valve and sensor to dispense products from a pressurized container without user contact, allowing for hands-free operation and integration with standard containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual actuation is used to dispense fluent products, then the dispenser structure is simple, but germs are transferred from the user to the dispenser and vice versa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with an automated electronic control system. A sensor detects the user's hand proximity and triggers an electrically controlled valve to dispense the product automatically, eliminating the need for direct contact between the user's finger and the actuator. This substitution of mechanical operation with electronic control resolves the germ transfer issue while managing device complexity through integrated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing and control system between the user and the dispensing mechanism. The sensor acts as an intermediary that detects hand presence without contact, and the electronic control system serves as an intermediary that translates this detection into controlled product dispensing. This intermediary layer prevents direct germ transfer while maintaining the dispensing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless dispensers are designed for commercial applications, then germ transfer is prevented, but they require specific aerosol containers and are not adapted for widespread usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the dispenser housing with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various container types and configurations. The electronic control system is configured to work with different sensor inputs and valve types, enabling the same dispenser unit to function with multiple container formats. This multi-functionality approach allows the touchless dispenser to be adapted for widespread usage across different applications and container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the dispensing function into modular components: a universal housing mountable to various containers, an independent sensor system, an electrically controlled valve, and a product reservoir. This segmentation allows the core dispenser assembly to remain consistent while adapting to different container types through interchangeable mounting interfaces and container-specific reservoirs, thereby enhancing versatility without compromising the touchless germ-prevention feature.
3Ease of operation
If an electrically controlled valve system is implemented, then touchless operation is achieved, but the device requires electrical power and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the sensor automatically detects hand presence and triggers the electrically controlled valve without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using the detected hand presence as the activation signal, eliminating the need for buttons, switches, or other manual controls. This self-service approach enhances ease of operation while managing complexity through automated decision-making logic within the control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors for hand presence and provides real-time input to the electronic control system. When the sensor detects a hand, it sends a signal to activate the electrically controlled valve, and the system monitors the dispensing process. This feedback mechanism enables automatic hands-free operation by continuously adjusting the valve state based on sensor input, simplifying user interaction while managing system complexity through closed-loop control.
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 system effectively prevents germ transfer by eliminating manual actuation and allows for widespread use with various container configurations, ensuring hygienic and convenient dispensing of fluent products.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor senses a user's hand proximate the discharge orifice
Implementation Method 2
An electrically controlled valve in the housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet maintains the valve member in an open position incident to the housing being mounted on the container
Implementation Method 3
a pressurized container including a valve member... have a suitable discharge structure to dispense the fluent product under pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A touchless dispenser is provided for a pressurized container including a valve member. The dispenser comprises a housing mountable to the container. An electrically controlled valve in the housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet maintains the valve member in an open position incident to the housing being mounted on the container. A nozzle extends between the valve outlet and a discharge orifice. A sensor senses a user's hand proximate the discharge orifice. A control in the housing is operatively coupled to the sensor and the electrically controlled valve. The control controls operation of the electrically controlled valve to dispense a select dosage of product from the container responsive to the sensor sensing presence of a user's hand proximate the discharge orifice.