Wireless Fluid Dispenser Control With Leak-Resistant Valve Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management systems face challenges with cumbersome PIN code entry and work order association processes, as well as issues with valve leakage and pressure imbalances, leading to inefficient fluid dispensing and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system with a wireless fluid management controller that authorizes dispense events, collects data, and includes a trigger control mechanism with a data receiver and control board to manage fluid dispensing, utilizing NFC for user authentication and improving valve design to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PC-based fluid management system is used with operating system and communication hardware, then fluid dispensing control and data collection are enabled, but system reliability deteriorates due to OS updates, firewall security changes, and hardware failures that prevent software from functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid management control functionality from the PC operating system environment and relocates it to a dedicated microcontroller unit. This separation removes the dependency on PC OS updates, firewall configurations, and communication hardware, thereby eliminating the reliability issues while preserving the fluid dispensing control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the fluid management components and external systems. This intermediary enables data transmission without requiring direct PC software involvement, thus isolating the control system from PC-based reliability issues while maintaining system adaptability.
2Reliability
If manual PIN code entry and work order association processes are used, then authorization control is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations and error-prone manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic work order association functionality where the system autonomously retrieves and associates work order information from a database using identifiers scanned at the dispensing point. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual PIN code entry and work order association, thereby maintaining authorization control accuracy while significantly improving dispensing operation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-loads work order information into the system database before dispensing operations begin. When a dispensing event occurs, the system automatically matches the work order based on pre-configured identifiers, eliminating the need for real-time manual input and association, thus enhancing productivity without compromising authorization control.
3Ease of operation
If traditional valve designs are used in fluid dispensing meters, then fluid flow control is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to valve leakage and pressure imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement to the valve sealing surfaces by specifying precise surface finishes, material compositions, and geometric tolerances for the sealing contact areas. This localized precision manufacturing approach ensures optimal sealing performance at the valve seat and sealing rings, thereby improving valve sealing accuracy while maintaining ease of fluid flow control operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies critical valve parameters including spring pressure forces, seal material hardness, and valve stem tolerances to optimize sealing performance. By carefully adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the system achieves improved valve sealing accuracy that prevents leakage and maintains pressure balance, while the valve remains easy to operate for fluid flow 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 streamlines fluid dispensing by eliminating the need for manual PIN entry, reduces valve leakage through improved sealing, and enhances operational efficiency by wirelessly managing fluid dispensing and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid dispensing meter includes an NFC data receiver mounted on the fluid dispensing meter and configured to receive data from an external NFC data source
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.