AU2018264150A1

AU2018264150A1 - Fluid dispensing system

Info

Publication number: AU2018264150A1
Application number: AU2018264150A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Edward Joris
Original assignee: Pare Soleil Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Pare Soleil Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM Abstract A sunscreen dispensing system (100) comprising a housing (102) defining a chamber (114); a vessel (104) for storing sunscreen, the vessel (104) disposed within the chamber (114); a cooling assembly (106) configured to cool sunscreen stored in the vessel (104), the cooling assembly (106) disposed within the chamber (114); a nozzle (108) in fluid communication with the vessel (104), the nozzle (108) configured to dispense sunscreen stored in the vessel (104); and a pump (11) configured to pump sunscreen from the vessel (104) and out of the nozzle (108). D[0 128 Figure 2

Description

FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM

Technical Field [001] The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a fluid dispensing system that dispenses topical skin products, such as, for example, sunscreen, insect repellents, or the like.

Background [002] Several known fluids are required to be kept below a certain temperature, otherwise the fluid may degrade and its overall effectiveness reduced. Such fluids include topical skin products such as, for example, sunscreen.

[003] In relation to the example of sunscreen, a person may suffer sunburn if their skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet radiation for an extended period of time. The resulting sunburn can cause discomfort and be very painful. Exposing skin to ultraviolet radiation also increases the risk of a person developing melanomas and squamous cell carcinoma, which are two types of skin cancer. Applying sunscreen to their skin can protect a person against sunburn and reduce their likelihood of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen is also known as sunblock, sun cream, or suntan lotion and may be a lotion, spray, gel, or other topical product.

[004] The usage of sunscreen depends on a person's diligence to regularly apply sunscreen to their skin and their access to sunscreen. A person may not have access to sunscreen simply because they forgot to bring it with them and the availability of communal sunscreen may be very limited.

[005] Even if a person does bring sunscreen, the sunscreen is likely to be exposed to elevated temperatures throughout the day, either by direct exposure to sunlight and/or the ambient temperature. Exposing sunscreen to elevated temperatures may cause the sunscreen to degrade, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of the sunscreen. This is a problem because a person may suffer sunburn and an increased risk of developing skin cancers, even if they have been diligently applying sunscreen.

Summary [006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fluid dispensing system comprising:

a housing defining a chamber;

a vessel for storing fluid, the vessel disposed within the chamber;

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 a cooling assembly configured to cool fluid stored in the vessel, the cooling assembly disposed within the chamber;

a nozzle in fluid communication with the vessel, the nozzle configured to dispense fluid stored in the vessel; and a pump configured to pump fluid from the vessel and out of the nozzle.

[007] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly abuts the vessel.

[008] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly further comprises one or more cooling elements to cool fluid within the vessel.

[009] According to an embodiment, the one or more cooling modules are Peltier modules.

[010] According to an embodiment, the one or more cooling modules are a plurality of Peltier modules distributed on a planar surface parallel to a side surface of the vessel, each of the Peltier modules electrically connected to an electrical terminal configured to transmit electrical power and/or signals to each of the Peltier modules.

[011] According to an embodiment, the one or more cooling modules are six Peltier modules distributed on a planar surface parallel to a side surface of the vessel, each of the Peltier modules electrically connected to an electrical terminal configured to transmit electrical power and/or signals to each of the Peltier modules.

[012] According to an embodiment, the Peltier modules are interconnected in a manner such that the maximum voltage and current required to power the cooling assembly are within the specification of the sunscreen dispensing system power supply.

[013] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly further comprises a bracket that supports the vessel.

[014] According to an embodiment, the bracket abuts the vessel and is arranged to absorb heat from the vessel by thermal conduction.

[015] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly comprises an air duct disposed within the chamber, the air duct configured to direct heat out of the housing.

[016] According to an embodiment:

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 the housing comprises a vent in fluid communication with the chamber and an ambient environment;

the air duct comprises:

an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber;

an outlet in fluid communication with the vent; and an airflow through the air duct flows from the inlet to the outlet, out of the outlet, and through the vent to the ambient environment.

[017] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly further comprises one or more fans to force the airflow through the air duct.

[018] According to an embodiment, the one or more fans are disposed at the inlet of the air duct.

[019] According to an embodiment, the cooling assembly further comprises a heat sink disposed within the air duct.

[020] According to an embodiment, the heat sink comprises a plurality of fins.

[021] According to an embodiment, the pump is disposed within the chamber.

[022] According to an embodiment, the nozzle is at least partially disposed outside of the housing.

[023] According to an embodiment, the vessel is insulated.

[024] According to an embodiment, the fluid dispensing system further comprises an electronic system, the electronic system configured to control:

the pump to dispense fluid from the nozzle; and/or the cooling assembly to keep fluid stored in the vessel within a predetermined temperature range.

[025] According to an embodiment, the electronic system comprises a first temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the vessel.

[026] According to an embodiment, the electronic system comprises a second temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of at least a part of the cooling assembly.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [027] According to an embodiment, the electronic system controls the cooling assembly based on an output from the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor.

[028] According to an embodiment, the electronic system further comprises a payment module to receive payment from a user, and the electronic system is configured to operate the pump and dispense a predetermined amount of fluid from the nozzle in response to the payment module receiving a predetermined payment.

[029] According to an embodiment, the payment module is able to receive payment from bank cards.

[030] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to disable the payment module and dispense the predetermined amount of fluid from the nozzle without receiving payment.

[031] According to an embodiment, the electronic system further comprises a communications module, the communications module configured to transmit and receive information over one or more wireless networks.

[032] According to an embodiment, the electronic system comprises a data logging module, the data logging module configured to store data related to amount of sunscreen dispensed and frequency of dispensing events. The electronic system may be further configured to upload the data to a remote server via the communication module and the wireless network.

[033] According to an embodiment, the fluid is a topical skin product.

[034] According to an embodiment, the fluid is sunscreen.

Definitions [035] Throughout this specification, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[036] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present technology. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present technology as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this specification.

[037] Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps, or elements of the technology recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements.

[038] In the context of the present specification the terms 'a' and 'an' are used to refer to one or more than one (i.e., at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, reference to 'an element' means one element, or more than one element.

[039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technology described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the technology includes all such variations and modifications. For the avoidance of doubt, the technology also includes all of the steps, features, and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps, features and compounds.

Brief Description of the Drawings [040] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[041] Figure 1 is a front right side isometric view of a fluid dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[042] Figure 2 is a partial front left side isometric view of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 1 with the front access door omitted;

[043] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the vessel and the cooling assembly of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 1;

[044] Figure 4 is a half section view of the air duct of the cooling assembly of Figure 3;

[045] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the cooling assembly of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 3;

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [046] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the cooling assembly of Figure 5, omitting the mounting bracket;

[047] Figure 7 is a partial rear view of the front access door of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 1, omitting the controller;

[048] Figure 8 is a partial rear view of the front access door of Figure 7 showing the controller and [049] Figure 9 is a schematic of the electrical system of the fluid dispensing system of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Embodiments [050] Figures 1 and 2 show a fluid dispensing system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention configured to dispense sunscreen.

[051] The fluid dispensing system 100 has a housing 102, a vessel 104 for storing sunscreen, a cooling assembly 106 to cool the sunscreen in the vessel 104, a nozzle 108 to dispense sunscreen stored in the vessel 104, and a pump 110 to pump sunscreen from the vessel 104 and out of the nozzle 108.

[052] The housing 102 comprises an front access door 112 that permits access to a chamber

114 defined by the housing 102. The housing 102 also has two vents 116 that permit an exchange of air between the chamber 114 and the ambient environment. The vessel 104, the cooling assembly 106, and the pump 110 are disposed within the chamber 114.

[053] The front access door 112 comprises a recess 118 having a drain 120 and an aperture 121 (see Figure 7). The nozzle 108 extends through the aperture 121 and is disposed within the recess 118 such that the nozzle 108 is at least partially disposed outside of the housing 102. The nozzle 108 is positioned such that it dispenses sunscreen into the recess 118. Disposed in or proximate the recess 118 is a hand sensor 119 (see Figure 9) that is capable of sensing the presence of a person's hand in the recess 118.

[054] It is envisaged that the nozzle 108 may alternatively be disposed within the housing 102 and configured to dispense sunscreen into the recess 118. It is also envisaged that the nozzle 108 may be attached to the end of a flexible hose to allow the nozzle 108 to be removed from the recess 118 when in use and to be stowed in the recess 118 when not in use.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [055] Referring to Figure 2, the vessel 104 comprises an insulating jacket 122 partially surrounding the vessel 104 to restrict the transfer of heat into the vessel 104 and therefore to the sunscreen stored within the vessel 104. The insulating jacket 122 is formed from neoprene, however, it is envisaged that other suitable insulating materials known in the art could be used to form the insulating jacket 122.

[056] The vessel 104 comprises a valve 124 that allows sunscreen to flow out of the vessel 104. The valve 124 is coupled to the pump 110 by a distribution line 126 such that the vessel 104 is in fluid communication with the pump 110. When the distribution line 126 is coupled to the valve 124, the valve 124 is in an open configuration that allows sunscreen to flow out of the vessel 104. When the distribution line 126 is uncoupled from the valve 124, the valve 124 is biased in a closed position that prevents sunscreen from flowing out of the vessel 104. It will be appreciated that this allows the vessel 104 to be removed from the chamber 114, and/or replaced, without sunscreen flowing out of the vessel 104 when the distribution line 126 is uncoupled from the valve 124.

[057] The pump 110 is coupled to the nozzle 108 by a dispensing line 128 such that the pump 110 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 108. It will be appreciated that the pump 110 is capable of pumping sunscreen out of the vessel 104 and out of the nozzle 108.

[058] It is envisaged that the pump 110 is a peristaltic pump. Peristaltic pumps are configured to pump a fixed amount of fluid per rotation, meaning that the amount of fluid pumped can be controlled reasonably accurately by rotating the pump a predetermined number of times. It will therefore be appreciated that peristaltic pumps may allow the amount of sunscreen dispensed from the nozzle 108 to be easily controlled. However, it is also envisaged that any other suitable pump known in the art capable of pumping sunscreen from the vessel 104 and out of the nozzle 108 may be used. Referring to Figure 9, for example, the pump 110 may be a DC fluid pump that uses a stepper motor.

[059] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, disposed within the chamber 114 of the housing 102 is a sump 130. When the front access door 112 is closed, the drain 120 of the recess 118 is located above the sump 130. The sump 130 collects sunscreen flowing from the recess 118 through the drain 120.

[060] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, the cooling assembly 106 comprises an air duct 132, a mounting bracket 134 coupled to the air duct 132, and two fans 136 configured to induce a

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 forced airflow through the air duct 132 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 10 (see Figure 4)[061] Referring to Figure 4, the air duct 132 has an internal space 138, inlets 140, an outlet 142, and a heat sink 144 in the form of a plurality of fins disposed within the internal space 138. The fans 136 are disposed at the inlets 140 and are configured to induce a forced airflow through the air duct 132 by drawing air through the inlets 140 and blowing air through the internal space 138, past the heat sink 144, and out of the outlet 142. It is also envisaged that the fans 138 may be disposed at the outlet 142 (see Figure 9) and are configured to suck air through the inlets 140, through the internal space 138, past the heat sink 144, and blow air out of the outlet 142.

[062] Referring to Figure 9, disposed in or near the air duct 132 is a temperature sensor 145 that senses the temperature within the internal space 138 of the air duct 132 proximate the heat sink 144.

[063] Referring to Figure 5, the mounting bracket 134 is formed from a thermally conductive material such as, for example, aluminium, copper, or any other suitable material exhibiting good thermal conductivity. The mounting bracket 134 comprises several mounting holes 146 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration), each mounting hole 146 is configured to receive a fastener there-through to couple the mounting bracket 134 to the air duct 132. The fasteners may be bolts, nut and bolt arrangements, screws, rivets, or any other fastener known in the art that is suitable for coupling the mounting bracket 134 to the air duct 132.

[064] The mounting bracket 134 further comprises a temperature sensor 148. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the vessel 104 is mounted on the mounting bracket 134, such that the mounting bracket 134 abuts uninsulated parts of the vessel 104. When the vessel 104 is mounted on the mounting bracket 134, the temperature sensor 148 is located such that it is capable of sensing the temperature of the vessel 104.

[065] Referring to Figure 6, the cooling assembly 106 further comprises a cooling device 150 sandwiched between the air duct 132 and the mounting bracket 134. The cooling device 150 comprises an electrical terminal 152 and a plurality of cooling elements 154. Referring to Figures 3 and 6, the cooling elements 154 are distributed on a planar surface that is parallel to a side surface of the vessel 104. The cooling elements 154 are interconnected in a manner such that the maximum voltage and current required to power the cooling assembly 106 are within the specification of the power supply powering the fluid dispensing system 100.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [066] It is envisaged that the cooling elements 154 are Peltier modules. Peltier modules operate by transferring heat from one side of the device (i.e., the cooling side) to the other side (i.e., the hot side) of the device. Peltier modules are capable of providing a cooling effect on the cooling side by drawing heat through the cooling side of the device and dissipating the heat through the hot side. It will be appreciated that the amount of cooling Peltier modules are able to provide is limited by the amount of heat the hot side of the device can dissipate. Although the cooling elements 154 have been described as being Peltier modules, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the cooling elements 154 may be any suitable cooling means known in the art for providing cooling.

[067] The cooling side 156 of each of the cooling elements 154 abut the mounting bracket 134 and the hot side (not shown) of each of the cooling elements 154 abut the air duct 132. The electrical terminal 152 is electrically coupled to each of the cooling elements and is configured to be electrically coupled to a controller (discussed below) that is configured to control the operation of the cooling elements 154.

[068] Referring to Figure 2, the cooling assembly 106 is disposed within the chamber 114 of the housing 102 such that the inlets 140 are in fluid communication with the chamber 114 and the outlet 142 is in fluid communication with one of the vents 116. It will therefore be appreciated that air flowing out of the outlet 142 of the air duct 132 will flow through the vent 116 to the ambient environment.

[069] As the mounting bracket 134 abuts uninsulated parts of the vessel 104, the mounting bracket 134 is capable of drawing heat from the vessel 104 by thermal conduction. When the cooling elements 154 are operating, the cooling side 156 of the cooling elements 154 draw heat from the mounting bracket 134 by thermal conduction, which in turn draws heat from the vessel 104, thereby cooling the sunscreen stored in the vessel 104. The heat drawn by the cooling side 156 of the cooling elements 154 is dissipated from the hot side of the cooling elements 154, thereby cooling the mounting bracket 132. As the hot side of the cooling elements 154 abut the air duct 132, the heat dissipated by the hot side of the cooling elements 154 is transferred to the heat sink 144 by thermal conduction. The heat transferred to the heat sink 144 radiates from the heat sink 144 into the internal space 138 of the air duct 132. Heat radiated into the internal space 138 by the heat sink 144 is directed away from the heat sink 144 by the forced airflow generated by the fans 136 flowing through the internal space 138 of the air duct 132, and the air duct 132 directs the forced airflow and the radiated heat through the vent 116 and out of the housing 102 to the ambient environment. It will therefore be appreciated that operating the cooling assembly 106 cools the sunscreen stored in the vessel 104 by drawing

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 heat from the vessel 104 and that the cooling assembly 106 directs heat out of the chamber 114 through the vent 116 to the ambient environment.

[070] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the front access door 112 has a mounting area 158 for mounting a controller 160 to the front access door 112. Referring to Figure 1, the controller 160 includes a user interface 162 having a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen and several buttons A, B, and C. The LCD screen is capable of displaying information and providing instructions to a person using the fluid dispensing system 100. Pressing button A activates that fluid dispensing system 100 from a sleep mode or returns the user interface to a home screen if the fluid dispensing system 100 is not in a sleep mode. A person can increase or decrease the amount of sunscreen dispensed by the fluid dispensing system 100 by pressing buttons B and C, respectively. Once the desired amount of sunscreen has been selected, the person presses button A to confirm the amount of sunscreen they desire.

[071] Referring to Figure 9, the controller 160 comprises a communications module 164 having an antenna 166. The communications module 164 allows the controller 160 to wirelessly communicate with, for example, a cloud server 12 via the antenna 166. The antenna 166 permits a person to remotely access the controller 160, via the cloud server 12, by a computing device 14 such as, for example, a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, or the like. The controller 160 is able to send/receive diagnostic and/or operational data and receive software updates via the communications module 164.

[072] A payment module in the form of a card reader 168 is electrically coupled to the controller 160 through a serial port 170. The card reader 168 uses contactless payment methods to facilitate financial transactions between the fluid dispensing system 100 and a person using the fluid dispensing system 100. To facilitate financial transactions, the card reader 168 uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to read bank cards, make digital wallet transactions (e.g. Android Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.), or by communicate with other NFC payment devices.

[073] The card reader 168 has a communication means 172 having a 3G module and an antenna. The communication means 172 allows the card reader 168 to wirelessly facilitate payment between a person using the fluid dispensing system 100 and the person's financial institution.

[074] The pump 110, the hand sensor 119, the fans 136, the temperature sensor 145, the temperature sensor 148, and the electrical terminal 152 of the cooling system 150 are

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 electrically coupled to the controller 160. The controller 160 uses the inputs from the hand sensor 119, the temperature sensor 145, and the temperature sensor 148 to issue signals to, and control operation of, the pump 110, the fans 136, and/or the cooling system 150.

[075] The controller 160 is electrically coupled to a power supply 16. The power supply 16 provides electric power to the controller 160, which then distributes electric power to each of the pump 110, the hand sensor 119, the fans 136, the temperature sensor 145, the temperature sensor 148, and the cooling system 150. The power supply 16 may be a 240Vac to 24Vdc and 12Vdc power supply, portable generator, photovoltaic system or any other electric power source that is capable of providing sufficient electric power to the fluid dispensing system 100.

[076] Operation of the fluid dispensing system 100 to cool sunscreen stored in the vessel 104 will now be described. The controller 160 is programmed to maintain the sunscreen stored in the vessel 104 below a predetermined temperature. The controller 160 monitors the temperature of the vessel 104 using the temperature sensor 148.

[077] If the controller 160 determines that the temperature of the vessel 104 is above or approaching the predetermined temperature, the controller 160 operates the cooling device 150 to cool the vessel 104. The controller 160 continues to operate the cooling device 150 until the controller 160 determines that the temperature of the vessel 104 is below the predetermined temperature, at which point the controller 160 stops operation of the cooling device 150 [078] The controller 160 monitors the temperature within the internal space 138 of the air duct 132 using the temperature sensor 145. If the controller 160 determines that the temperature within the internal space 138 of the air duct 132 is above or approaching a threshold temperature, the controller 160 operates the fans 136 to remove heat from the heat sink 144 and reduce the temperature within the internal space 138. The controller 160 regulates the speed of the fans 136 to adjust the flow rate of the forced airflow through the air duct 132 depending on the temperature within the internal space 138 and the amount of heat the heat sink 144 is radiating. The controller 160 continues to operate the fans 136 and the regulate the flow rate of the forced airflow through the air duct 132 until the controller 160 determines that the temperature within the internal space 138 of the air duct 132 is below the threshold temperature, at which point the controller 160 stops operation of the fans 136.

[079] Use of the fluid dispensing system 100 will now be described. A person activates the fluid dispensing system 100 by pressing the button A, which will subsequently present to the person the costs associated with purchasing predetermined amounts of sunscreen from the fluid

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 dispensing system 100. A person using the fluid dispensing system 100 selects the amount of sunscreen they desire using buttons B and C to either increase or decrease the amount of sunscreen to be dispensed by the fluid dispensing system 100. After the person has selected a desired amount of sunscreen, they confirm this amount by pressing button A and the user interface 162 subsequently prompts the person to use the card reader 168 to pay the required amount using a bank card, a digital wallet, or any other NFC payment devices. Once the card reader 168 has read the person's bank card, digital wallet, or NFC payment device, the card reader 168 communicates with the person's financial institution to either accept or reject the transaction. If the transaction is not accepted, the user interface 162 notifies the person that the transaction has not been accepted and requests that the person try again, use a different payment method, or cancel the transaction. If the transaction is accepted, the user interface 162 notifies the person that transaction has been accepted and to position their hand(s) under the nozzle 108 in the recess 118. The controller 160 monitors for the presence of the person's hand(s) in the recess 118 using the hand sensor 119. After the transaction has been accepted, and when the controller 160 determines the presence of the person's hand(s) under the nozzle 108, the controller 160 operates the pump 110 to dispense the predetermined amount of sunscreen selected by the person from the nozzle 108. After the predetermined amount of sunscreen has been dispensed from the nozzle 108, the controller 160 stops operation of the pump 110.

[080] In an embodiment where the nozzle 108 is connected to a flexible hose and is capable of being removed from the recess 118, the nozzle 108 may have a trigger (not shown) to operate the pump 110 and dispense sunscreen from the nozzle 108. In this embodiment, if the transaction is not accepted, the controller 160 is configured to not operate the pump 110 in response to the trigger being pressed. If the transaction is accepted, the controller 160 is configured to operate the pump 110 and dispense sunscreen from the nozzle 108 in response to pressing the trigger. In response to the transaction being accepted, the user interface 162 instructs the person to remove the nozzle 108 from the recess 118 and press the trigger to dispense the predetermined amount of sunscreen from the nozzle 108. After the predetermined amount of sunscreen has been dispensed from the nozzle 108, the user interface 162 instructs the person to return the nozzle 108 to the recess 118. Alternatively, the nozzle 108 may retract to the recess automatically.

[081] Any sunscreen that is not captured by the person, and any sunscreen that drips from the nozzle 108 within the recess 118, will flow through the drain 120 and be collected in the sump 130 located within the chamber 114 of the housing 102.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [082] It is envisaged that companies providing the fluid dispensing system 100 may allow people to open accounts with them. The accounts may either be pre-paid or post-paid accounts. When a person opens such an account, they may receive a wristband, or other wearable device, having an NFC chip that is capable of communicating with the card reader 168. To use the fluid dispensing system 100, the person holds their wristband near to card reader 168, which reads the NFC chip in the wristband and the controller 160 uses the information contained on the NFC chip to identify and verify the persons account. Once the account has be identified and verified by the controller 160, the controller 160 is programmed to debit the account for the predetermined amount of sunscreen selected by the person and then dispense the predetermined amount of sunscreen selected by the person in a similar manner to that described above in paragraph [079] or [079][080]. It will be appreciated that for pre-paid accounts, there must be sufficient funds in the account to purchase sunscreen from the fluid dispensing system 100. If there are not sufficient funds, the person will be notified via the use interface and instructed to top-up their account by either an online service/website or by purchasing further credit using the user interface 162 and the card reader 168.

[083] It is also envisaged that the fluid dispensing system 100 is capable of operating in a free vend mode, where the controller 160 disables the card reader 168 and dispenses sunscreen without receiving payment from a person using the fluid dispensing system 100. In other words, in the free vend mode, the controller 160 is programmed to skip the transaction steps described above in paragraph [079] or [080]. In this case, a person using the fluid dispensing system 100 selects the amount of sunscreen they desire using the user interface 162 and the controller 160 skips the transactions steps described above in paragraph [079] or [079][080] and dispenses sunscreen in a similar manner to that described in paragraph [079] or [080]. The free vend mode may be activated and deactivated by using the user interface 162 or by using an electronic device 14 to remotely access the controller 160 through cloud server

12.

[084] The fluid dispensing system 100 may provide a person who forgot to bring sunscreen with them easy access to sunscreen. The fluid dispensing system 100 is also able to maintain the temperature of sunscreen stored within the vessel 104 below a temperature that would cause the sunscreen to degrade and lose its effectiveness of adsorbing and/or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The fluid dispensing system 100 may therefore assist in reducing the occurrence of people suffering sunburn and developing skin cancers by providing people with easy access to sunscreen.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018 [085] Although the fluid dispensing system 100 has been described with respect to dispensing sunscreen, it will be appreciated that the fluid dispensing system 100 is capable of dispensing other fluids that are required to be kept below a certain temperature. For example, topical skin products including insect repellent, aloe lotion, and skin care products.

[086] Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the technology as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of technology as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fluid dispensing system comprising:

a housing defining a chamber;

a vessel for storing fluid, the vessel disposed within the chamber;

a cooling assembly configured to cool fluid stored in the vessel, the cooling assembly disposed within the chamber;

a nozzle in fluid communication with the vessel, the nozzle configured to dispense fluid stored in the vessel; and a pump configured to pump fluid from the vessel and out of the nozzle.
2. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the cooling assembly abuts the vessel.
3. The fluid dispensing system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cooling assembly further comprises one or more cooling elements to cool fluid within the vessel.
4. The fluid dispensing system of claim 3, wherein the one or more cooling modules are Peltier modules.
5. The fluid dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the one or more cooling modules are a plurality of Peltier modules distributed on a planar surface parallel to a side surface of the vessel, each of the Peltier modules electrically connected to an electrical terminal configured to transmit electrical power and/or signals to each of the Peltier modules.
6. The fluid dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the Peltier modules are interconnected in a manner such that the maximum voltage and current required to power the cooling assembly are within the specification of the sunscreen dispensing system power supply.
7. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling assembly further comprises a bracket that supports the vessel.
8. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the bracket abuts the vessel and is arranged to absorb heat from the vessel by thermal conduction.
9. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cooling assembly comprises an air duct disposed within the chamber, the air duct configured to direct heat out of the housing.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018
10. The fluid dispensing system of claim 9, wherein:

the housing comprises a vent in fluid communication with the chamber and an ambient environment;

the air duct comprises:

an inlet in fluid communication with the chamber;

an outlet in fluid communication with the vent; and an airflow through the air duct flows from the inlet to the outlet, out of the outlet, and through the vent to the ambient environment.
11. The fluid dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the cooling assembly further comprises one or more fans to force the airflow through the air duct.
12. The fluid dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the one or more fans are disposed at the inlet of the air duct.
13. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the cooling assembly further comprises a heat sink disposed within the air duct.
14. The fluid dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of fins.
15. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pump is disposed within the chamber.
16. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the nozzle is at least partially disposed outside of the housing.
17. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the vessel is insulated.
18. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising an electronic system, the electronic system configured to control:

the pump to dispense fluid from the nozzle; and/or the cooling assembly to keep fluid stored in the vessel within a predetermined temperature range.
19. The fluid dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the electronic system comprises a first temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the vessel.

2018264150 16 Nov 2018
20. The fluid dispensing system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the electronic system comprises a second temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of at least a part of the cooling assembly.
21. The fluid dispensing system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the electronic system controls the cooling assembly based on an output from the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor.
22. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the electronic system further comprises a payment module to receive payment from a user, and the electronic system is configured to operate the pump and dispense a predetermined amount of fluid from the nozzle in response to the payment module receiving a predetermined payment.
23. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22, wherein the payment module is able to receive payment from bank cards.
24. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the controller is configured to disable the payment module and dispense the predetermined amount of fluid from the nozzle without receiving payment.
25. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the electronic system further comprises a communications module, the communications module configured to transmit and receive information over one or more wireless networks.
26. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the electronic system comprises a data logging module, the data logging module configured to store data related to amount of fluid dispensed and frequency of dispensing events.
27. The fluid dispensing system of claim 26, wherein the electronic system is further configured to upload the data to a remote server via the communication module and the wireless network.
28. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the fluid is a topical skin product.
29. The fluid dispensing system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the fluid is sunscreen.