Automatic Water Dispensing With Flow Meter Overflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water dispensing systems require human operators to manually monitor and control the dispensing process, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in the amount of water dispensed, as well as potential overflow issues.
Innovation Solution
A water dispensing system with a flow meter and solenoid valve controlled by a controller, which uses threshold settings and timed intervals to automatically control the flow of water, allowing for precise dispensing without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual monitoring by human operator is used, then the dispensing process can be controlled, but the operator cannot work on other tasks and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the dispensing equipment automatically monitors water flow, detects bottle fullness, and controls the dispensing process without requiring continuous human oversight. The flow meter and controller work together to autonomously manage the entire dispensing operation, freeing operators to perform other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with electronic automation systems including flow meters, controllers, and sensors that automatically detect and control the dispensing process, eliminating the need for human operators to physically monitor each bottle being filled.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual control is used, then the operator can stop dispensing, but the amount of water dispensed varies and is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where flow meters continuously measure water dispensing volume and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust and maintain consistent dispensing amounts, ensuring precision without requiring complex manual control procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with target dispensing volumes and automatically executes the dispensing process to achieve precise, consistent amounts. This preliminary programming eliminates variability introduced by manual control while keeping the device complexity manageable through standardized control logic.
3Productivity
If continuous dispensing is used, then the process is fast, but water overflow occurs when bottles are full
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing automated periodic checks through sensors that detect when bottles are full. The controller receives periodic signals from the sensors and automatically stops dispensing at the appropriate moment, maintaining high speed while preventing overflow through rhythmic monitoring and control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection for overflow prevention is replaced with electronic sensors and automated control systems that continuously monitor bottle fill levels and automatically stop dispensing when full, ensuring reliability without reducing dispensing speed.
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 ensures consistent and accurate dispensing of water into bottles, reducing overflow and enabling operators to perform other tasks, while maintaining control over the dispensing process.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve configured to control a flow of the water by allowing or blocking the flow of the water in the water pipe
Implementation Method 2
a flow meter configured to measure an amount of water flowing in the water pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispensing system includes: at least one flow control valve connected to a water pipe, and comprising a flow meter configured to measure an amount of water flowing in the water pipe and a solenoid valve configured to control a flow of the water by allowing or blocking the flow of the water in the water pipe; a controller configured to control dispensing of the water from one end of the water pipe by electrically communicating with each of the flow meter and the solenoid valve; and a switch configured to provide an interface for a user to control an operation of the water dispensing system.