WO2012032543A1

WO2012032543A1 - Automated purified drinking water vending machine with container dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2012032543A1
Application number: PCT/IN2011/000611
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haridas M.
Original assignee: M Haridas
Priority date: 2010-09-07
Filing date: 2011-09-07
Publication date: 2012-03-15

Abstract

An automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) is disclosed. The vending machine includes a purifier assembly (V7, V12, V16, V18-V22) for purifying raw water, a reservoir unit (V10, V11, V13) for storing the purified water, an electronic control unit (V17) for dispensing a pre-determined amount of water from the reservoir unit, a currency receiving unit (V30, V31) for accepting and validating currency from a user, and a container dispenser unit (V1, V6) for storing and dispensing hygienic containers automatically for containing the dispensed water and providing to the user. The vending machine is completely automated and self-serviced, and avoids the need for a dedicated operator at every time. The automated vending machine provides the choice of container to the user as food grade cup and food grade pouch.

Description

AUTOMATED PURIFIED DRINKING WATER VENDING MACHINE WITH

CONTAINER DISPENSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the fields of drinking water purification systems. The present invention specifically relates to an automated purified dinking water vending machine with container dispensers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water is a vital chemical substance essential for the survival of all forms of life. Hygienic drinking water is essential for healthy life. Waterborne diseases result from the contamination of water by harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites. This problem of water contamination exists not only in surface water sources like rivers, but also in groundwater sources. RO processed drinking water by far is the latest technology for purifying impure water. As contamination of fresh water is increased through chemical, microbial and radiological elements, it is necessary to adopt a reliable water purification technology to supply pure water. Currently, Reverse Osmosis (RO) process is used as reliable technique for water purification.

There have been many RO processed water vending machines available in the market. But these machines need a full time dedicated person to interact with the users for accepting coins, currency, manually operate the water vending machine, and provide pure drinking water to the users in pet bottles and cups. To operate these water vending machines 24 hours a day, it requires at least two full time dedicated operators.

Similarly, one of the conventional water vending machines includes a container attached to it using a string or chain, which eliminates the requirement of full time dedicated operators. However, this vending machine uses the same container for every one, who is drinking the water from it. This leads to unhygienic water supply due to the container exposed to environmental dust and other particles. Moreover, the user should carry a separate container, if the user wants to carry away the water from this vending machine.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an automated purified dinking water vending machine with container dispensers, which is capable of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks. Also, this vending machine needs to be configured considering economical and social buying behavior of all sections of users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an automated purified dinking water vending machine with container dispensers, which provides pure drinking water in the hygienic container without the need for dedicated operators.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated purified dinking water vending machine with container dispensers, which is coin and currency operated, self-serviced, and operated by a centralized network control.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects the present invention discloses an automated purified drinking water vending machine including a purifier assembly configured to purify raw water supplied from an inlet, a reservoir unit configured to store the purified water, an electronic control unit configured to dispense a pre-determined amount of water from the reservoir unit through an outlet nozzle, a currency receiving unit configured to accept and validate currency from a user, and a container dispenser unit configured to store and dispense hygienic containers automatically for containing the dispensed water and provide to the user. In an embodiment, the purifier assembly includes one or more of a sand filter, an activated carbon filter, a pre micron filter assembly, a R.O. membrane filter, an ultra violet light filter, an ozone gas filter and a post micron filter for purifying the raw water into safe drinking water.

In another embodiment, the reservoir unit includes a purified water storage tank for storing normal water, a cold water storage tank for storing cold water including a compressor unit for cooling, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water including a heating coil unit for heating, and a temperature control unit, wherein the cold water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank include food grade PUF insulation for maintaining the water temperature.

In another embodiment, the temperature control unit includes one or more temperature sensors and one or more electronic measuring units for controlling the compressor unit and the heating coil unit at a regular interval of a predefined time period to maintain desired temperatures in the cold water storage tank and the hot water storage tank respectively.

In another embodiment, the electronic control unit includes a microcontroller, a power supply unit, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and a solenoid-motor driver for monitoring and controlling the dispensing of the pre-determined amount of water based on a user input.

In another embodiment, the currency receiving unit includes a currency acceptor including one or more sensors and currency validator circuitries for accepting valid currency of a predefined denominations and rejecting currencies of other denominations, and a coin acceptor including one or more sensors and coin validator circuitries for accepting valid coins of a predefined denominations and rejecting coins of other denominations. In another embodiment, the container dispenser unit includes a pouch dispenser unit including a pouch vending mechanism configured to provide food grade pouches for filling the purified water dispensed through the outlet nozzle, and a cup dispenser unit including a cup vending mechanism configured to provide food grade cups for filling the purified water dispensed through the outlet nozzle.

In another embodiment, the automated purified drinking water vending machine further includes a GSM wireless device for providing status of one or more parameters selected from water quality, quantity of water sold, peak business hour details, total amount of cash collected, cup and pouch stock to a centralized server, wherein the GSM wireless device includes a GSM module and a GSM sim card interfaced to the electronic control unit of the automated purified drinking water vending machine. In another embodiment, the automated purified drinking water vending machine further includes a water quality meter device including a TDS meter connected to the outlet nozzle for ensuring safe water quality of the purified water. A TDS level display provides information on TDS level of the purified water. In yet another embodiment, the automated purified drinking water vending machine further includes a water flow control unit including a food grade motor pump and one or more solenoids, which are operatively connected to pump out normal, hot, and cold drinking water from the purified water storage tank, the hot water storage tank, and the cold water storage tank respectively to the outlet nozzle based on the user input.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and other advantages of the invention will be better understood and will become more apparent by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a panel of an automated purified drinking water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view depicting arrangement of internal components of the automated purified drinking water vending machine vending machine of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 & 4 illustrate side views depicting arrangement of the internal components of the automated purified drinking water vending machine vending machine of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a pouch dispenser unit of an automated purified drinking water vending machine vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the pouch dispenser unit of FIG. 5 of an automated purified drinking water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the pouch dispenser unit of FIG. 5 of an automated purified drinking water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a cup dispenser unit of an automated purified drinking water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the cup dispenser unit of FIG. 8 of an automated purified water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the cup dispenser unit of FIG. 8 of an automated purified water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of a cup holding and releasing mechanism of an automated purified water vending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. FIG. 1-4 show front and side views of internal and external components of an automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) with container dispenser, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The primary components of the automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) include a purifier assembly (V7, V12, V16, V18-V22), a reservoir unit (V10, V11, V13), an electronic control unit/ECU (V17), a currency receiving unit (V30, V31), and a container dispenser unit (V1 , V6). Further, the purifier assembly includes a seven-stage water filter such as a sand and carbon filter also called a multimedia filter (V21), a pre micron filter assembly (V18, V19, V20), a R.O. membrane filter (V7, V5, V15), an UV light filter (V12), an ozone gas filter (V16) and a post micron filter (V22). The multimedia filter (V21) includes both the sand filter and the activated carbon filter. The reservoir unit includes a purified water storage tank (V13), a cold water storage tank (V11), a hot water storage tank (V10), a compressor unit (V3), a heating coil unit (V23), and a temperature control unit. The currency receiving unit includes a currency acceptor (V30), and a coin acceptor (V31). The container dispenser unit includes a pouch dispenser unit and a cup dispenser unit. The cup dispenser unit includes a cup vending mechanism (V1), and a cup exit slot (V2). The pouch dispenser unit includes a pouch vending mechanism (V6), and a pouch exit slot (V14).

Externarl body of the automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) is made up of food grade material such as stainless steel body panel (V9). A slide cabinet (V35) is used to easily access electronic serviceable parts. A water select switch (V32) is provided to select hot, cold and normal water. The temperature of the normal water depends on ambient temperature. The automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) also includes a GSM wireless device, a water quality meter device such as a TDS meter (V33), and a water flow control unit. Further the water flow control unit includes a food grade motor pump & solenoid set (V8). A LCD display panel such as a LCD Display (V34) is provided for advertisement. A backlit display such as a machine brand display (V36) is used to display product brand. A solar panel based inverter (V37) is used as an optional feature incase of non-availability of continues power supply. The entire unit is mounted upon wheels (V24). I. Water Treatment:

The seven-stage purifier assembly receives raw water from an inlet and purifies the raw water to safe drinking water in the following stages. i. Multimedia Filter (V21):

As stated above, the multimedia filter (V21 ) includes the sand filter, and the activated carbon filter. Multimedia filtration is the first stage of water treatment in the automated purified drinking water vending machine (100). It is among the oldest, well understood, and tested forms of water treatment. The two layers of sand and activated carbon filter result in highly efficient filtering of floating and non- dissolved particles and bad odours present in the raw water. ii. Micron Filters (V18, V19 & V20):

The next stage of purification is the pre micron filters. These are placed at three different stages (V18, V19, V20) to filter out very minute clay, sand, slit, dust and rust particles present in the raw water. It also helps to remove ferric iron, and oxidized manganese or sulfur. Output water from the pre micron filter (V18, V19, V20) is fed to inlet of the R.O. membrane filter (V7). iii. Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter (V7):

The R.O. membrane filter includes a R.O pump (V5), a R.O. membrane

(V7), and a R.O. control panel (V15). Reverse osmosis (RO) involves separating water from a solution of dissolved solids by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane such as the R.O. membrane (V7). As pressure is applied to the solution, water and other molecules with low molecular weight pass through micro pores in the semi-permeable membrane. Larger molecules, such as organic dyes and metal complexes, are retained by the semi-permeable membrane. Cross flow filtration allows the concentrate stream to sweep away the retained molecules and prevent the membrane surface from clogging or fouling.

The R.O. control panel (V15) takes care of operation of the entire R.O. unit. It operates a raw water pump (V4), and the R.O. pump (V5) to create sufficient pressure to pass raw water through the multimedia filter (V21), the micron filters (V18, V19, V20) and the R.O. membrane (V7). This results in purifying the raw water. The purified water is fed to the purified water storage tank (V13). For example, the purified water storage tank (V13) is a food grade purified water tank. When the purified water storage tank (V13) is full, the R.O. control panel (V15) automatically turns off the raw water pump (V4) and the R.O. pump (V5).

The clean water from the RO membrane filter (V7) is fed to the UV light filter

(V12). iv. Ultra Violet Light Filter (V12):

The ultra violet (UV) light filter (V12) disinfects water by treating it by an ultra violet light source. Immersed in the water in a protective transparent sleeve, the ultra violet light source emits UV waves that can inactivate harmful microorganisms. These ultra-violet rays are similar to the sun's UV rays but stronger than them. The UV rays alter the nucleic acid (DNA) of viruses, bacteria, molds or parasites, so that they are inactivated and cannot reproduce. However, such UV treatment does not alter chemical property of the water. v. Post Micron Filter (V22)

Thereafter, the output water is fed to the post micron filter (V22). The post micron filter (V22) performs all the functions of the pre micron filters but it is placed between outlet nozzle and the Purified water storage tank (V13). The post micron filter (V22) is included as a precautionary measure to avoid dust, sand or any other non-dissolved particles in the water that comes out from the outlet nozzle. vi. Ozone Gas Filter (V16):

Next the water is passed through an ozone gas filter (V16). Ozone gas has excellent disinfection and oxidation qualities, which destroys microorganisms, removes micro-pollutants such as pesticides, reduces disinfection byproducts, and eliminates bad odor and taste. The ozone gas filter (V16) includes an ozone gas generator for producing the ozone gas. This ozone gas is fed into the R.O. purified water at regular intervals to keep the water hygienic and fresh.

II. Operating Procedure:

When a user inserts either a coin or a currency such as a note, the electronic control unit (V17) identifies presence of the coin or the currency. It automatically supplies cup or pouch as desired by the user. After confirmation from the user, it pours water into the pouch/cup. The user will have the choice to choose cold, hot and normal water. The coins/currency are collected in respective bins. The electronic control unit also sends and receives information to a centralized server through the GSM wireless device.

The coins are collected in a panel and choice for selecting the types of water is indicated by visual indicator in the system. The temperature control unit may control temperatures of hot and cold water. i. Electronic Control Unit (V17):

The electronic control unit (V17) includes a controller chip such as microcontroller, one or more sensors such as temperature sensors, pouch and cups sensors, one or more actuators, motor and a solenoid-motor driver, IR transmitter-receiver and a power supply unit. It may perform the following functions: • Reading currency/coin input sensors

• Validating currency/coin

• Displaying message for valid currency/coin

• Providing pouch/cup to the user

• Waiting for user confirmation for water vending

• Measure the quality of water through TDS meter

• If quality is within prescribed parameters, dispense water of desired temperature choice in pouch/cup.

• Counting the total number of cups and pouches dispensed.

• Counting the total amount available in currency/coin bins.

• Monitoring status, and sending information and control instructions given by the centralized server.

The electronic control unit (V17) is coupled to the GSM wireless device for providing details of the automated purified drinking water vending machine 100. For example, the details include status-parameters, water quality, quantity of water sold, total amount of cash collected, and peak business hour details and so forth. The electronic control unit (V17) automatically stops functioning of the automated purified drinking water vending machine 100 if water quality is found not satisfactory. The GSM wireless device also helps in keeping track of pouch and cup stock, sales and also helps in avoiding duplication of pouches and cups. The GSM wireless device includes a GSM module and a GSM sim card for interfacing with the electronic control unit (V17). ii. Pouch Vending Mechanism (V6):

The pouch dispenser unit includes the pouch vending mechanism (V6). The pouch vending mechanism (V6) automatically dispenses one pouch when a valid currency/coin is inserted. The pouches are dispensed one by one with the help of sensors, control circuitries and drive mechanism. When last pouch is dispensed, the pouch vending mechanism automatically detects the end of pouch with the help of a sensor detector (P10) and indicates the status using a beep signal. The new set of pouches needs to be placed inside the pouch dispenser unit for future operation. For example, the pouches are flexible and made of food grade material.

FIG. 5-7 illustrate an isometric view, top view, and right view of the pouch vending mechanism (V6) of the automated purified water vending machine (100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When the currency is inserted in to the currency acceptor (V30), the electronic control unit (V17) rotates a screw rod (P7). As a result, a screw rod nut (P11) moves forward, which in turn pushes the pouches with the help of a pouch slider clamp (P8). A geared motor (P9) rotates in such a fashion that only one pouch is dispensed through the pouch exit slot (V14). A pouch motion guider (P2) maintains all pouches to remain in line with the pouch vending mechanism (V6).

In FIG. 5 & 6, a bottom assembly plug (P16) and a top assembly plug (P17) are used to hold a sidewall support plate (P1), the screw rod (P7), the screw rod nut (P11) and the pouch slider clamp (P8), a pouch push unit (P4) firmly. The pouch push unit (P4) includes a screw rod guider (P3), a L angle support (P6) and a rotary clamp (P5), which as a whole unit pushes the pouches one by one. Both ends of the screw rod (P7) are mounted on bearings (P25). A guider plate (P20), guides the movement of the pouches along with the screw rod guider (P3) and the pouch dispenses at a pouch guider (P22). A mechanism guider rod (P24) is an additional support for the pouch push unit (P4) for smooth motion. A pouch opto- coupler sensor (P21) detects the number of rotations done by the screw rod (P7) to dispense one pouch at a time. A bottom clamp (P12) holds the entire pouch vending mechanism (V6), which is firmly mounted on a stainless steel frame (P14). A sidewall positioning clamp (P13) is used to support the sidewall support plate (P1). The entire assembly is mounted on a rotary clamp (P5) for easy tilt for loading fresh set of pouches. As shown in FIG. 7, a stop switch (P15) is used to indicate end of operations. As shown in FIG 5, the geared motor (P9) starts rotating in opposite direction and the pouch push unit (P4) come back to their original position. New set of pouches needs to be loaded in to the pouch vending mechanism (V6) for next operation. A ball gauge bush for pouch lock (V27) is used to lock pouch before dispensing water. A button assembly plate (P26) is used to mount the stop switch (P15).

Fig. 6 shows, a spring load (P18) and a spring load shaft (P19), which are used to bend the entire unit for easy loading of pouches. iii. Cup Vending Mechanism (V1):

The cup dispenser unit includes the cup vending mechanism (V1 ), the cup exit slot (V2), and a cup holding clamp (V26). The cup vending mechanism (V1) automatically dispenses a single cup when the electronic control unit (V17) receives a valid signal from a currency/coin validator circuitry. Before dispensing the cups, the electronic control unit (V17) checks the availability of cups in each channel. These cups are stored in several channels of stacks of nested cups. For example, the cups are of food grade quality. The special feature of this automated purified water vending machine (100) is its cup storage capacity and auto dispensing of cups.

FIG. 8-1 1 illustrate an isometric view, right side view, and front view of the cup vending mechanism (V1 ) of the automated purified drinking water vending machine (100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cups (C22) are stored in cup holding slots (C5). When the electronic control unit (V17) receives signal from the currency/coin validator circuitry or from a switch, it starts rotating a DC motor (C10) of the cup vending mechanism (V1).

The cup vending mechanism (V1 ) includes two major parts such as a cup aligner mechanism (C13), and a cup holder base plate (C23) as illustrated in Fig.11. The cup holder base plate (C23) holds the cup firmly and the cup aligner mechanism (C13) aligns the stacks of remaining nested cups when one single cup is dispensed.

The cup holder base plate (C23) movement is controlled by the position of an opto coupler sensor (C24). The cup aligner mechanism (C13) is controlled by the DC motor (C10). The cup holder base plate (C23) moves out by making way for a cup, which is to be released. A servo motor (C21) separates a single cup from the nested cup slots and the cup comes at the cup exit slot (V2). The servo motor (C21) separates/widen the gap between the two successive cups, thus after releasing the cup moves towards the cup exit slot (V2). An infrared sensor circuit (C18) detects the cups in the cup exit slot (V2). The IR sensor circuit (C18) also indicates end of cups in the cup holding slots (C5). For example, the infrared sensor may be an infrared transmitter-receiver. FIG. 8-9 show a rotary cup slot mechanism. The rotary cup slot mechanism includes a geared wheel (C1), a Geneva gear wheel (C2), a Geneva guider wheel (C3), a cabinet (C4) and the cup holding slots (C5). The Geneva gear wheel perfectly aligns the cup holding slots (C5) to the position where cups are meant to be dispensed. The electronic control unit (V17) with the help of position sensors loads the new set of nested cup when previous slot becomes empty. Each cup is dispensed through the cup holder and the cup vending mechanism (V1). In FIG. 10, a bearing (C12) and a bush (C25) are used for proper alignment and easy movement of the cup holding slots (C5). The number of slots or channels for the cups (C22) in the cup dispenser unit depends on cup storage capacity and vending machine design requirements. The number of slots can vary from one up to N channels where N is the desired slots for storing cups. The height of the slots can also be increased for supporting more cup storage capability. Further, the cup vending mechanism includes an assembly flat (C7) which is used to hold the slider (C11) assembly and accessories. A motor clamp (C9), the DC motor (C10), and a sliding guider (C6) are used to move the slider (C11) in horizontal to and fro motion. A cup aligning arm (C14) is used to align cups, a cup holder arm (C20) is used to hold the stack of cups, a cup opto-coupler (C19) sensor is used to identify position of the slider (C11). The cup opto-coupler (C19) is mounted on an opto-coupler clamp (C15). The motor clamp (C9) is used to mount the DC motor (C10) for horizontal to and fro motion of the slider (C11). Pinion (C16), in a geared bush is mounted on to the shaft of the DC motor (C10) through a coupler bush (C17). The pinion (C16) may be in direct contact with a rack (C8). This rack (C8) and the pinion (C16) assembly will result in to and fro motion of the slider (C11). A stop switch (C26) is used to stop the slider (C11) at a desired position. iv. Currency Acceptor (V30):

The currency acceptor (V30) includes one or more sensors, and the currency validator circuitry, which verifies the genuine currency note inserted into the machine. If the currency note is valid and matches a predefined denomination then the machine dispenses water else the invalid note will come out. v. Coin Acceptor (V31):

The coin acceptor (V31) is capable of accepting predefined coins of different denominations. When a valid coin of predefined denomination is inserted, it accepts and dispenses water according to the user requirements. Otherwise, it rejects the invalid coins of different denominations. vi. Purified Water Storage Tank (V13):

The RO processed, UV treated water is stored in the purified water storage tank (V13). It is a food grade stainless steel tank. The purified water storage tank (V13) also contains an ozone gas pipe, which releases ozone gas at a predetermined regular interval of time to make water fresh and hygienic. The normal water is directly supplied from the purified water storage tank (V13). The temperature of normal water may vary from place to place due to geographical and environmental conditions. vii. Hot Water Storage Tank (V10):

The hot water storage tank (V10) includes a food grade stainless steel tank and the heating coil unit (V23). It is covered with glass wool or PUF insulation, which maintains heat of water for long durations. Further, this makes water hot within short stipulated time and saves energy. The temperature can be controlled to the desired level using the temperature control unit. viii. Cold Water Storage Tank (V11):

The cold water storage tank (V11) includes a refrigeration unit such as the compressor (V3) and a food grade stainless steel tank (V11) insulated with polyurethane foam (PUF) material. This makes water attain cold temperature very quickly and helps in retaining cold temperature for longer duration even when compressor is turned off. The temperature of the cold water can be manually selected with the temperature controller to suit different geographical conditions.

The temperature control unit may include plurality of temperature sensors, and plurality of electronic measuring units for controlling the compressor unit (V3) and the heating coil unit (V23) at a regular interval of a predetermined time period to maintain desired temperatures in the cold water storage tank (V11), and the hot water storage tank (V10). ix. TDS meter (V33):

A TDS meter (V33) indicates the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water. Since the dissolved ionized solids like salts and minerals contribute to the conductivity of a solution, the TDS meter measures the conductivity of the solution then converts that figure to an estimated TDS reading. Over all it monitors the amount of nutrients, salts or impurities in the water. A seven segment display (V34) provides information about the TDS level of water to the user. By this method the user will be aware about quality of water he/she drinking instead of just blindly believing the brand for pure water. The TDS meter (V33) also sends signal to the electronic control unit (V17) if water quality is not within prescribed parameters thereby ensuring safety of the user. x. Water Flow Control Unit (V8):

The water flow control unit includes a food grade motor & solenoid set (V8). The food grade motor pump and the solenoid set (V8) are operatively connected to pump out normal, hot and cold water to the output nozzle from the purified water storage tank, the hot water storage tank, and the cold water storage tank respectively. In addition, a flavors mix unit may add different flavors to the normal, cold, and hot water. The flavors mix unit may either have one or more flavor containers filled with flavors such as mint, litchi, raspberry, citrus, strawberry and other herbal extracts. xi. Solar Panel Based Inverter (V37):

The automated purified water vending machine (100) may also accommodate the solar panel based Inverter (V37) as optional feature for providing power without the need for continuous electric supply. xil. LCD Display (V29):

The automated purified water vending machine (100) may also include the LCD display (V29), which provides easier user interface and informs operating procedure to the user. xiii. Digital Weighing Scale (V25): As an optional feature the automated purified water vending machine (100) may also include a digital weighing scale (V25). The user may know their weight free of cost with the help of the digital weighing scale (V25). A weighing Scale display (V28) provides weight of the person standing on the platform.

With reference to FIG. 1-11 , the automated purified drinking water vending machine (100) is fully automatic, self serviced, Reverse Osmosis (RO) processed, Ultra Violet (UV) treated drinking water vending machine. When currency/coin is inserted, it automatically dispenses food grade pouch/cup and provides selected hot, cold and normal RO processed-UV treated water.

III. User operating procedure: i. RO processed water with pouch vending:

1. Insert coin/currency for desired quantity of water.

2. Wait for pouch dispense

3. Take the pouch and lock it to the ball gauge bush (V27)

4. The ECU detects the sealed pouch and opens the seal of the pouch

5. The machine fills the desired quantity of water into the pouch

6. Release the lock and take the pouch, drink water and tighten the cap of the pouch after use.

7. Tear the pouch after use in order to prevent reuse of the same pouch.

8. Repeat the same step for one more operation. ii. RO processed water with Cup Vending:

1. Insert coin/currency for desired quantity of water

2. Wait for the dispenser to dispense cup

3. Take the dispensed cup and place it in cup holder below the nozzle.

4. Machine fills the cup with RO processed water

5. Drink water 6. Squeeze the cup after use.

7. Repeat the same step for one more operation.

Component List of the Automated Purified Drinking Water Vending Machine: i. Panel Body

VI- Cup Vending Mechanism

V2- Cup Exit Slot

V3- Compressor

V4- Raw Water Pump

V5- R.O. pump

V6- Pouch Vending Mechanism

V7- R.O. membrane

V8 - Food Grade Motor & Solenoid Set

V9 - Stainless Steel Body Panel

V10- Hot Water Storage Tank

VI I- Cold Water Storage Tank

V12- U.V. Filter

V13- Purified Water Storage Tank

V14- Pouch Exit Slot

V15- R.O. Control Panel

V16- Ozone Filter

V17- Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

V18- Micron Filter

V19- Micron Filter

V20- Micron Filter

V21- Multimedia Filter

V22- Post Micron Filter

V23- Heating Coil

V24- Wheels

V25- Digital Weighing Scale V26- Cup Holding Clamp

V27- Ball gauge bush for Pouch Lock

V28- Weighing Scale Display

V29- LCD Display for machine operation V30- Currency Acceptor

V31- Coin Acceptor

V32- Water Select Switch

V33- TDS meter

V34- Seven Segment Display

V35- Slide Cabinet

V36- Machine Brand Backlit display

V37- Solar Panel Based Inverter ii. Cup Vending Mechanism

C1- Geared Wheel

C2- Geneva Gear Wheel

C3- Geneva Guider Wheel

C4- Cabinet

C5- Cup Holding Slots

C6- Sliding Guider

C7- Assembly Flat

C8- Rack

C9- Motor Clamp

C10- DC Motor

C1 1 - Slider

C12- Bearing

C13-Cup Aligner Mechanism

C14-Cup Aligning Arm

C15- Opto Coupler Clamp

C16- Pinion

C17- Coupler Bush C18- IR Sensor Circuit

C19- Cup Opto-Coupler

C20- Cup Holder Arm

C21- Servo Motor

C22- Cups

C23- Cup Holder Base Plate C24- Opto Coupler Sensor C25- Bush

C26- Stop Switch

iii. Pouch Vending Mechanism

P1- Side wall Support plate

P2- Pouch Motion Guider P3- Screw Rod Guider

P4- Pouch Push Unit

P5- Rotary Clamp

P6- L angle Support

P7- Screw Rod

P8- Pouch Slider Clamp

P9- Geared Motor

P10- Sensor Detector

P11- Screw Rod Nut

P12- Bottom Clamp

P13- Sidewall Positioning Clamp

P14- Stainless Steel Frame

P15-Stop Switch

P16- Bottom Assembly Plug

P17- Top Assembly Plug P18- Spring Load

P19- Spring Load Shaft P20- Guide Plate

P21- Pouch Opto-Coupler Sensor

P22- Pouch Guider

P23- Cup Opto-Coupler Sensor

P24- Mechanism Guider Rod

P25- Bearing

P26- Button Assembly Plate

It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

We claim:

1. An automated purified drinking water vending machine comprising:

a purifier assembly configured to purify raw water supplied from an inlet; a reservoir unit configured to store the purified water;

an electronic control unit configured to dispense a pre-determined amount of water from the reservoir unit through an outlet nozzle;

a currency receiving unit configured to accept and validate currency from a user; and

a container dispenser unit configured to store and dispense hygienic containers automatically for containing the dispensed water and provide to the user.

2. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein the purifier assembly further comprises one or more of a sand filter, an activated carbon filter, a pre micron filter assembly, a R.O. membrane filter, an ultra violet light filter, an ozone gas filter and a post micron filter for purifying the raw water into safe drinking water.

3. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein the reservoir unit further comprises:

a purified water storage tank for storing normal water;

a cold water storage tank for storing cold water including a compressor unit for cooling the water therein;

a hot water storage tank for storing hot water including a heating coil unit for heating the water therein; and

a temperature control unit,

wherein the cold water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank include food grade PUF insulation for maintaining the water temperature.

4. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the temperature control unit further comprises one or more temperature sensors and one or more electronic measuring units for controlling the compressor unit and the heating coil unit at a regular interval of a predefined time period to maintain desired temperatures in the cold water storage tank and the hot water storage tank respectively.

5. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a microcontroller, a power supply unit, one or more sensors, one or more actuators, and a solenoid-motor driver for monitoring and controlling the dispensing of the pre-determined amount of water based on a user input.

6. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein the currency receiving unit further comprises:

a currency acceptor including one or more sensors and currency validator circuitries for accepting valid currency of a predefined denominations and rejecting currencies of other denominations; and

a coin acceptor including one or more sensors and coin validator circuitries for accepting valid coins of a predefined denominations and rejecting coins of other denominations.

7. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , wherein the container dispenser unit further comprises:

a pouch dispenser unit including a pouch vending mechanism configured to provide food grade pouches for filling the purified water dispensed through the outlet nozzle; and

a cup dispenser unit including a cup vending mechanism configured to provide food grade cups for filling the purified water dispensed through the outlet nozzle.

8. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a GSM wireless device for providing status of one or more parameters selected from water quality, quantity of water sold, peak business hour details, total amount of cash collected, cup and pouch stock to a centralized server, wherein the GSM wireless device includes a GSM module and a GSM sim card interfaced to the electronic control unit of the automated purified drinking water vending machine.

9. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a water quality meter device including a TDS meter connected to the outlet nozzle for ensuring safe water quality of the purified water.

10. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a TDS level display for providing information on TDS level of the purified water.

11. The automated purified drinking water vending machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a water flow control unit including a food grade motor pump and one or more solenoids, which are operatively connected to pump out normal, hot, and cold drinking water from the purified water storage tank, the hot water storage tank, and the cold water storage tank respectively to the outlet nozzle based on the user input.