Voltage-Based Sensor Unit for Automatic Dispenser Operation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dispensers face challenges in accurately monitoring operation events due to erroneous measurements from external shocks and vibrations, which are not effectively addressed by conventional vibration sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit that detects changes in the operating voltage of automatic dispensers, analyzing voltage changes for predetermined characteristics to accurately identify operation events, and adjusts detection thresholds based on previous measurements to improve accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are used to monitor dispenser operation, then dispenser actuation can be detected, but erroneous measurements occur due to external shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration sensors with an electrical measurement system that monitors voltage changes in the power supply circuit. When the dispenser is actuated, the motor draws increased current causing a detectable voltage drop. This electrical measurement approach is immune to external mechanical shocks and vibrations, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and measurement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensor units are retrofitted to wall-mounted dispensers, then operation monitoring becomes possible, but the monitoring function becomes technically difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from complex mechanical sensing and implements it through simple electrical voltage measurement. The sensor unit taps into the existing power supply circuitry of the dispenser, requiring minimal installation effort. By monitoring voltage drops that naturally occur during motor operation, the system achieves operation monitoring without complex mechanical components, making retrofitting to wall-mounted dispensers straightforward.
3Productivity
If voltage changes are monitored without analysis, then operation events can be detected, but false detections occur due to normal voltage fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors voltage changes and compares them against predetermined thresholds. When a voltage drop exceeds the threshold, it indicates a genuine actuation event. The system can also adjust thresholds based on learned patterns of normal operation, reducing false detections while maintaining rapid response to actual dispensing events.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor unit configured to detect operation events of an automatic dispenser is presented. The sensor unit comprises a detection unit configured to detect a change in an operating voltage of the dispenser. The sensor unit further comprises a controller configured to analyse the voltage change for a predetermined characteristic, to assign the voltage change to an operation event of the dispenser based on the analysis, and to create a dataset indicative of the operation event. A method for detecting operation events of an automatic dispenser is also presented.