Patent Publication Number: US-11638503-B1

Title: On demand electromechanical dispenser of cleaning solution

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various embodiments generally relate to a dispenser for dispensing solutions, such as cleaning solutions. For example, various embodiments relate to dispensers comprising a dispensing system that utilizes a positive-displacement mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various conventional solution dispensers require a user to touch the dispenser. For example, a user may push down on a hand pump dispenser to cause hand soap to be dispensed therefrom. Conventional touch-free dispensers tend to depend on gravity to enable the hands-free dispensing of hand soap or other solutions. This dependence on gravity requires the touch-free dispenser to be mounted on a wall, for example, so that a receiver of the hand soap or other solution may be placed under the dispenser to receive the hand soap or other solution. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Example embodiments provide a dispenser configured to store cleaning solutions and dispense cleaning solutions therefrom. Example embodiments provide a hands-free dispenser that may be placed on a countertop, table, and/or the like and dispense cleaning solution (e.g., hand soap or other cleaning solution) therefrom. In various embodiments, the dispenser comprises dispensing mechanism that utilizes a positive displacement mechanism to transport cleaning solution to a top of the dispenser such that when a sensor of the dispenser causes a dispense event to occur, the cleaning solution is dispensed from a top portion of the dispenser. In various embodiments, the cleaning solution may be glass cleaning solution, bath cleaning solution, general purpose kitchen cleaning solution, metal cleaning solution, hand soap, dish soap, laundry stain remover, scent neutralizing solution, air freshener, laundry detergent, and/or the like. Some example embodiments of the present invention provide a user with a single use amount of cleaning solution per dispense event. 
     According to one aspect, a dispenser for dispensing a cleaning solution from a reservoir is provided. In an example embodiment, the dispenser comprises a cover housing, configured with an upper housing, main housing, and base housing. The upper housing comprises at least a portion of a dispensing mechanism configured for electromechanically dispensing cleaning solution from a holding reservoir. 
     Another aspect provides the cover housing comprises a main housing configured with a cleaning solution storage reservoir and a positive-displacement mechanism configured for electromechanically transporting cleaning solution from the storage reservoir to the holding reservoir. Additionally, the cover housing comprises a base housing disposed within which is a ratcheting mechanism configured to allow the positive-displacement mechanism to rotate in a single rotational direction and a power-spring mechanism configured to generate resistance against the ratcheting mechanism. The present invention also provides an electrical power system configured to supply electrical power to components of the dispensing mechanism and the positive-displacement mechanism. 
     In an example embodiment, the storage reservoir disposed within the main housing is at least partially filled with cleaning solution. Following activation of a motion-detecting sensor, a servo motor rotates a positive-displacement mechanism within the main housing. The cleaning solution is transported via the positive-displacement mechanism up into a holding reservoir. A pump motor then expels a dose of the cleaning solution out of a dispenser discharge. In an example embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism prevents the positive-displacement mechanism from turning in the undesired rotational direction as the servo motor returns to its initial orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a dispenser in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a retaining-ejecting mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a top view of a ratcheting mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top view of a power-spring mechanism in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    provides a flowchart illustrating the process for automatically dispensing a cleaning solution after receiving signal of a dispense trigger being identified in accordance with example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term “or” (also denoted “/”) is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative” and “Example” are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. The terms “generally” and “approximately” refer to within engineering and/or manufacturing limits and/or within user measurement capabilities, unless otherwise indicated. Like number refer to like elements throughout. 
     Example Cover Housing 
       FIG.  1    provides a cross-sectional side view of a dispenser  10  in accordance with an example embodiment. In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a cover housing  100 . In various embodiments, the cover housing  100  is configured to mechanically accommodate and/or comprise an upper housing  105 , a main housing  110 , and a base housing  115 . The upper housing  105  comprises a retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  and a dispensing mechanism  300 . The main housing comprises a cleaning solution storage reservoir  120  and a positive-displacement mechanism  500 . The base housing  115  comprises a ratcheting mechanism  600  and a power-spring mechanism  700 . 
     In an example embodiment, the upper housing  105  is mechanically fixed to the main housing  110  via an attachment surface (e.g., threads, compression fit, etc.) shared and/or mated between the two bodies. For example, the upper housing  105  comprises an attachment surface comprising threads, a compression fit surface, and/or the like and the main housing  110  comprises an attachment surface comprising threads, a compression fit surface, and/or the like configured to be mated and/or coupled to the upper housing  105  attachment surface, in various embodiments. In an example embodiment, the main housing  110  is mechanically fixed to the base housing  115  via an attachment surface shared and/or mated between the two bodies. For example, the main housing  110  comprises an attachment surface comprising threads, a compression fit surface, and/or the like and the base housing  115  comprises an attachment surface comprising threads, a compression fit surface, and/or the like configured to be mated and/or coupled to the main housing  110  attachment surface. In an example embodiment, the upper housing  105  is incorporated in the design of and/or integrally formed with the main housing  110 . In an example embodiment, the main housing  110  is incorporated in the design of and/or integrally formed with the base housing  115 . In various embodiments, the cover housing  100  may be configured with any of the aforementioned example embodiments or a combination thereof. 
     Example Retaining-Ejecting Mechanism 
     In various example embodiments, the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  enables a pod  205  to be inserted into a retained position at least partially within the recess  210 , retained in the retained position, and released from the retained position following designated user input. The pod  205  may be configured to contain a desired dosage of concentrated powder or cleaning solution. 
     In various embodiments, the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  is similar to that disclosed by U.S. application Ser. No. 17/813,697, filed Jul. 20, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, a retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  may be incorporated into the housing of various types of dispensers and/or cleaning devices such that the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  may be used to receive a pod  205  containing a concentrated cleaning medium and cause the concentrated cleaning medium to be provided to a cleaning solution storage reservoir of the dispenser and/or cleaning device for dilution and/or use. 
       FIG.  2    provides a cross-sectional side view of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  in accordance with an example embodiment. A chamber  130  is configured within the body of the cover housing  100 , providing a recess  210  for the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 . A lower chamber wall  125  is configured at the bottommost region of the chamber  130 , supporting a puncture tool  215 , wherein the puncture tool  215  is configured to puncture a pod  205  when inserted into the retained position of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 . The pod  205  is placed onto an insert guide  225  when inserted into the chamber  130 . The insert guide  225  provides a unidirectional translation of the pod  205  to the puncture tool  215  when pressed into the retained position. A spring  220  is configured to release compression force to expel the pod  205  from the retained position of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  following an additional pressing of the pod  205  in a downward motion. The spring  220  is guided and/or contained by a spring retainer  230  configured to prevent the spring  220  from extending past a desired length. In an example embodiment, at least one drain channel  135  may be configured at the base of the lower chamber wall  125  to capture the released cleaning medium from the pod  205  and allow passage of the cleaning medium from the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  to the storage reservoir  120  accordingly. 
     In various embodiments, the cleaning solution storage reservoir  120  is configured for receiving pre-diluted and/or ready-to-use cleaning solution and may not comprise a retaining-ejecting mechanism. In an example embodiment, the upper housing  105  comprises a filling port in place of the illustrated retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  and/or another mechanism for providing concentrated and/or ready-to-use cleaning solution to the cleaning solution storage reservoir  120  (e.g., from a pod  205  and/or the like). In an example embodiment, the filling port may allow direct injection of a pre-diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution into the storage reservoir  120  within the main housing  110 . In an example embodiment, the filling port may be incorporated in applications where several dispensers are in a cleaning area and tied together via a centralized fill location, requiring a single concentrated cleaning pod  205  or one filling port to insert the pre-diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution. 
     In various embodiments, the upper housing  105  comprises a capsule and/or pod chamber configured to receive a pod  205  therein as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 10,682,658, issued Jun. 16, 2020, or U.S. Pat. No. 11,359,952, issued Jun. 14, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Various other mechanisms, structures, and/or the like may be used to provide concentrated cleaning solution, pre-diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution, a dilution chemical and/or liquid, and/or ready-to-use cleaning solution to the storage reservoir  120 , in various embodiments. 
     Example Dispensing Mechanism 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a dispensing mechanism  300 . In various embodiments, the dispensing mechanism  300  is configured to dispense cleaning solution from the storage reservoir  120 , possibly in measured and/or allotted amounts. In various embodiments, the dispensing mechanism  300  is disposed within and/or part of the upper housing  105 . 
     In various example embodiments, the dispensing mechanism  300  comprises a pump motor  305 , a dispenser discharge  310 , and a holding reservoir  315 . The pump motor  305  is used to pump cleaning solution from the holding reservoir  315  out of the dispenser discharge  310 . In an example embodiment, the dispenser discharge  310  is configured as the outlet for all contained cleaning solution within the cover housing  100 . In an example embodiment, the dispenser discharge  310  may be configured as any or a combination of the following: hand spout, foaming nozzle, pressure nozzle, etc. 
     In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  replaces the user actuated mechanisms (e.g., hand pump, hand-pumped foaming nozzle, trigger pull, etc.) of conventional cleaning solution dispensers with a touchless, automated procedure for dispensing. In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  is used to transport a measured amount of cleaning solution designated for a single use application. In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  is a more efficient and/or effective method of transporting the single use amount of cleaning solution per dispense event compared to the larger positive-displacement mechanism  500 . 
     In an example embodiment, the holding reservoir  315  may be configured to hold a single use measured amount of cleaning solution, such that the positive displacement mechanism  500  is configured to fill the holding reservoir  315  when it is empty and then the pump motor  305  is configured to dispense the single use measured amount of cleaning solution from the holding reservoir  315  upon actuation of the dispenser  10  (e.g., responsive to a dispense trigger identified and/or activated via a sensor  410 ). 
     Example Positive-Displacement Mechanism 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a positive-displacement mechanism  500 . In various embodiments, the positive displacement mechanism  500  is configured to transport cleaning solution from the storage reservoir  120  to the holding reservoir  315 , possibly following a low-level sensor indication and/or command. In various embodiments, the positive displacement mechanism  500  is disposed within and/or a part of the main housing  110 . 
     In various example embodiments, the positive-displacement mechanism  500  is used to transport cleaning solution from within the main housing  110  vertically towards the upper housing  105  and into the holding reservoir  315 . In an example embodiment, the positive-displacement mechanism  500  is configured as an Archimedes-style screw pump. The positive-displacement mechanism  500  is supported by a drive shaft  505 , stretching between the upper housing  105  and the base housing  115 . In an example embodiment, the drive shaft  505  is electromechanically rotated by a microprocessor-driven servo motor  515 . In an example embodiment, a microprocessor  520  is configured to enabled automated dispensing techniques of the dispenser. 
     In an example embodiment, the positive-displacement mechanism  500  may be used to transport a larger volume of diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution from the storage reservoir  120  to the holding reservoir  315  where the pump motor  305  can deliver a desired number of smaller volume single use amounts of cleaning solution without engaging the positive displacement mechanism  500  each time. 
     In an example embodiment, the servo motor  515  is configured at the base of the drive shaft  505  near the base housing  115 . In an example embodiment, the positive-displacement mechanism  500  is configured to rotate in the counter-clockwise (CCW) direction axially when facing downward at the top of the cover housing  100 . 
     In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  is programmed to automatically dispense a single use amount of cleaning solution per dispense event following the received signal of the dispense trigger identified and/or activated via a sensor  410 . In an example embodiment, after a number of single use discharges have been performed, the microprocessor may enable the positive-displacement mechanism  500  to actuate to refill the holding reservoir  315  for the pump motor  315 . 
     Example Ratcheting Mechanism 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a ratcheting mechanism  600 . In various embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism  600  is configured to unidirectional rotation of the positive displacement mechanism  500 , possibly toggleable between one or more rotational directions. In various embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism  600  is disposed within and/or a part of the base housing  115 . 
       FIG.  3    provides a top view of a ratcheting mechanism  600  in accordance with an example embodiment. In various example embodiments, the ratcheting mechanism  600  provides a singular direction of powered rotation of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . The positive-displacement mechanism  500  is enabled in the CCW direction as shown in  FIG.  3   . This allows the servo motor  515  to reset to its initial orientation without rotating the positive-displacement mechanism  500  backwards into the opposing clockwise (CW) direction. 
     In an example embodiment, an activation rod  510  may be lifted or removed from the servo pin connection  620  of the pawl  615 . This action allows the ratchet  610  to rotate freely. In an example embodiment, removing the activation rod  510  from the servo pin connection  620  enables the ratchet to rotate in the CCW rotational direction. 
     In an example embodiment, the activation rod  510  may be configured as a toggleable switch to provide a simplified reversal of the ratcheting mechanism  600  direction. In an example embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism  600  may require reversal of the powered direction to accommodate a mirrored drive shaft  505 . In an example embodiment, various directions of the positive-displacement mechanism  500  may be desired to accommodate a variety of applications (e.g., dispenser discharge designs, holding reservoir designs, pump motor model, etc.). In an example embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism  600 , wherein the activation rod  510  is configured as a toggleable switch, is configured to toggle between various gear ratios, thus changing the torque output and speed of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . 
     Example Power-Spring Mechanism 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a power-spring mechanism  700 . In various embodiments, the power-spring mechanism  700  is configured to provide a constant spring force against the rotational direction of the ratcheting mechanism  600 . In various embodiments, the power-spring mechanism  700  is disposed within and/or a part of the base housing  115 . 
       FIG.  4    provides a top view of a power-spring mechanism  700  in accordance with an example embodiment. In various example embodiments, the power-spring  715  provides a constant spring force against the rotational direction of the ratchet  610 . The power-spring  715  is concentric with the drive shaft  505  of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . The power-spring  715  allows the ratchet  610  to spring back to its initial orientation if the pawl  615  does not reach the next gear lobe following a partial rotation of the ratchet  610 . 
     In an example embodiment, the power-spring  715  is fully coiled, resting on the internal wall  710  of the power-spring housing  705 , wherein a fully coiled power-spring  715  is compressed without slack. In an example embodiment, the power-spring  715  is wound like a tape measure. 
     Example Sensing System 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises a sensing system. In various embodiments, the sensing system is configured to receive signal of a dispense trigger identified and relay to the microprocessor  520 , comprising at least one sensor  410 . In various embodiments, the sensing system is disposed within and/or part of the main housing  110 . 
     In various example embodiments, the dispenser  10  electromechanically dispenses a contained cleaning medium. In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  and servo motor  515  are powered individually via electrical wires routed throughout the cover housing  100  material. In an example embodiment, the dispenser is activated via a sensor  410  (e.g., infrared (IR), motion, LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic, etc.) configured in the design of the cover housing  100 . In an example embodiment, the electrical power comes from a power supply (e.g., photovoltaic panels  405 , battery bank, standardized power receptacle, etc.). In an example embodiment, photovoltaic panels  405  may be configured at the topmost region of the upper housing  105  to generate electrical power. 
     In an example embodiment, wherein the cover housing  100  is configured with detachable upper housing  105 , main housing  110 , and base housing  115  sections, electrical power connections may be configured to align and/or mesh with the attachment surfaces accordingly. In an example embodiment, the detachable electrical connections may be configured as power and/or signal contactors and/or the like. 
     Example Electrical Power System 
     In various embodiments, the dispenser  10  comprises and/or is in electrical communication with a power supply. For example, the power supply is configured to power the electrical components of the dispenser  10  such as the sensor  410 , microprocessor  520 , servo motor  515 , pump motor  315 , and/or the like. 
     In an example embodiment, the power supply is a photovoltaic panel  405  or an array thereof. For example, in an example embodiment, a photovoltaic panel  405  supplied power source configuration may be most applicable for an outdoor and/or mobile dispenser application. In an example embodiment, a battery supplied power source configuration may be most applicable for a mobile dispenser and/or a dispenser without access to a standardized power receptacle. In an example embodiment, a standardized power receptacle supplied power source configuration may be most applicable for a stationary dispenser and/or a dispenser with ease of access to a standardized power receptacle. 
     In an example embodiment, a dispenser may be configured with one or any combination of photovoltaic panel  405  supplied power source, battery supplied power source, standardized power receptacle supplied power source configurations, hardwired to line voltage, and/or the like. 
     Additional Example Embodiments 
     In an example embodiment, a cover housing  100  is incorporated into the structural design of the dispenser. The cover housing  100  provides an outer surface with internal structure and support for various mechanisms, devices, and electrical components. In an example embodiment, the cover housing  100  is a single body fixture formed around the components previously described 
     In an example embodiment, an upper housing  105  is incorporated into the design of the cover housing  100 , providing a removable top to access various mechanisms, devices, and electrical components. In an example embodiment, the upper housing  105  supports the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 , the dispensing mechanism  300 , the electrical power system  400 , and the topmost portion of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . 
     In an example embodiment, a main housing  110  is incorporated into the design of the cover housing  100 , providing a cavity for a dilution chemical in a storage reservoir  120 . In an example embodiment, the positive displacement mechanism  500 , is oriented through the center of the main housing  110 , extending from the upper housing  105  to the bottommost portion of the main housing  110 . The main housing  110  also provides support for the sensing system, including a sensor  410  used to receive signal for activation of the dispenser. 
     In an example embodiment, a base housing  115  is incorporated into the design of the cover housing  100 , providing a removable base to access various mechanisms, devices, and electrical components. In an example embodiment, the base housing  115  supports the servo motor  515 , microprocessor  520 , at least one activation rod  510 , ratcheting mechanism  600 , and power-spring mechanism  700 . In an example embodiment, the base housing  115  supports the translation of power from the servo motor  515  to the positive-displacement mechanism  500  through the upper surface of the base housing  115 . The axial drive of the positive-displacement mechanism  500  is supported concentrically with a bearing at the bottommost portion of the base housing  115  inner structure. 
     In an example embodiment, a storage reservoir  120  is configured in the design of the main housing  110  to retain the dilution chemical prior to and after dilution and/or deconcentrated of an applied concentrated cleaning medium. 
     In an example embodiment, a retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  is configured in the inner structure of the upper housing  105 . The retaining-ejecting mechanism is configured to enable a concentrated cleaning pod  205  to be inserted into a retained position at least partially within the recess, retained in the retained position, and released from the retained position. In an example embodiment, the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  is configured with a puncture tool to release the concentrated cleaning medium from the pod  205  as inserted into the retained position of the retaining-ejecting mechanism. 
     In an example embodiment, a pod  205  is configured with a puncturable cavity comprising a concentrated cleaning medium therein. In an example embodiment, the pod  205  is designed to be placed into the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 , held in the retained position, and removed after expelling the concentrated cleaning medium via gravitational force. In an example embodiment, the pod  205  releases the concentrated cleaning medium into the storage reservoir comprising the dilution chemical therein. In an example embodiment, the concentrated cleaning medium may be diluted into the dilution chemical, generating the diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution. In an example embodiment, the positive-displacement mechanism  500  may be actuated temporarily to accelerate the mixing process of the concentrated cleaning medium into the dilution chemical. 
     In an example embodiment, a dispensing mechanism  300  comprises a pump motor  305  and a dispenser discharge  310 . In an example embodiment, a holding reservoir  315  is also incorporated to provide a localized reservoir for the pump motor  305  to withdraw diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution. 
     In an example embodiment, a pump motor  305  is configured to expel diluted and/or deconcentrated cleaning solution from the holding reservoir  315  out of the dispenser discharge  310 . In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  is a submerged pump configured to reside under the surface of the cleaning solution in the holding reservoir  120 . In an example embodiment, the pump motor  305  may include a sensor to indicate low fluid level in the holding reservoir  120 . In an example embodiment, the low fluid level indicator may be a predetermined output following the calculated number of activations of the pump motor  305  being met. In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  determines that the holding reservoir  315  is to be refilled following indication. In an example embodiment, indication that the holding reservoir  315  is to be refilled may follow a fluid level sensor in the holding reservoir  315 , a count of dispenses since previous refill, or the like. 
     In an example embodiment, a dispenser discharge  310  is configured to be removable and/or interchangeable to best fit the intended application or to meet specified requirements. In an example embodiment, applications may include hand spouts for liquid cleaning solution, foaming dispensers for skin and/or abrasive surfaces, and the like. In an example embodiment, the removable dispenser discharge  310  is configured as a threaded fixture, properly mounting into the upper housing  105  to eliminate potential leaking. In an example embodiment, the threading type is configured as a national pipe tapered (NPT). In an example embodiment, the removable dispenser discharge  310  is configured as a press-fit mount to quickly release and/or interchange dispenser discharges  310  as required. 
     In an example embodiment, a holding reservoir  315  is incorporated in the design of the upper housing  105  provide a localized volume of cleaning solution easily accessible for the pump motor  305 . In an example embodiment, the localized volume of cleaning solution eliminated the need for a higher-powered pump motor, drawing cleaning solution from the bottom of the storage reservoir  120  within the main housing  110 . The holding reservoir  315  provides a lowered pressure and lessen head losses for the pump motor  305 . 
     In an example embodiment, an electrical power system  400  provides current and directs signal via electrical wires and connections throughout the cover housing  100  body. In an example embodiment, the electrical power system  400  may be configured as a solar-charged dispenser via at least one photovoltaic panel incorporated in the design of the upper housing  105 . In an example embodiment, the electrical power system  400  may be configured as a battery-bank dispenser via at least one battery supply incorporated in the design of the upper housing  105 , main housing  110 , and/or base housing  115 . In an example embodiment, the electrical power system  400  may be configured as a standardized power receptacle system incorporated in the design of the upper housing  105  and or base housing  115 . 
     In an example embodiment, the electrical power system  400  includes a back-up batter supply with a charging system via a standardized power receptacle. In an example embodiment, an AC/DC converter is configured to produce direct current (DC) from the standardized alternating current (AC) in most applications. In an example embodiment, the electrical power system  400  supplies the correct voltage and current to all individual components required to effectively operate the automated features of the disclosed dispenser. 
     In an example embodiment, a sensor  410  is configured to detect activation of a dispense trigger. In an example embodiment, the sensor  410  is an infrared (IR) sensor to detect the presence of a user. The identification of the dispense trigger being activated is processed via a microprocessor  520  to accordingly dispense cleaning solution as directed. 
     In an example embodiment, a positive-displacement mechanism  500  is configured to refill the holding reservoir  315  with the contents of the storage reservoir  120  following indication of a low-level alert of a sensor configured in the holding reservoir  315  and/or as part of the pump motor  305  functionality. In an example embodiment, the microprocessor may enable the servo motor  515  to actuate the positive displacement mechanism  500 . 
     In an example embodiment, a drive shaft  505  concentrically aligns the positive-displacement mechanism  500  within the constraints of the upper housing  105 , the storage reservoir  120  cavity of the main housing  110 , and the bearing support of the base housing  115 . 
     In an example embodiment, at least one activation rod  510  is incorporated to electromechanically disable, remove, and/or reset the pawl  615  feature of the ratcheting mechanism  600 . In an example embodiment, the disabling of the pawl  615  allows the ratchet  610  to free spin in any direction provided force from the servo motor  515 . In an example embodiment, a free spinning, non-ratcheting positive displacement mechanism  500  may pose useful in aims to free a clog in the dispensing mechanism  300 , positive-displacement mechanism  500  screw pump, and/or to quickly mix the contents of the concentrated cleaning medium pod  205  with the dilution chemical within the storage reservoir  120 . This action may be required periodically depending on the particular cleaning solution to maintain aeration, potency, and/or viscosity in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     In an example embodiment, a servo motor  515  is configured to electromechanically actuate the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . In an example embodiment, the servo motor  515  is driven by a microprocessor  520  incorporated into the design of the servo motor  515  housing. In an example embodiment, the servo motor  515  is configured in the internal structure of the base housing  115 , actively meshed via direct drive and/or gearset to the positive-displacement mechanism  500  axial drive shaft  505 . 
     In an example embodiment, a microprocessor  520  controls the automation of the dispenser and directs signals from sensor inputs to actuator outputs, accordingly. In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  comprises features to at least refill the holding reservoir  315  with contents of the storage reservoir  120 , receive signal from the at least one sensor  410 , toggle between servo motor  515  gearsets, and dispense cleaning solution out of the dispenser discharge  310 . 
     In an example embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism  600  is configured to provide full rotation of the positive-displacement mechanism  500  following a sequence of partial rotations of the servo motor  515 . In an example embodiment, the servo motor  515  may not be configured to actuate a full rotation (i.e., 360 degrees). In an example embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism  600  allows the servo motor  515  to complete a partial rotation, reaching at least one pawl  615  integration with the ratchet  610 , thus rotating the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . The partial rotation of the servo motor  515  may be completed in a sequence calculated to total the full rotation of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . In an example embodiment, the sequence totaling a full rotation of the positive-displacement mechanism  500  may be tasked a desired number of times to appropriately refill the holding reservoir  315 , mix the concentrated cleaning medium into the dilution chemical within the storage reservoir  120 , and/or various additional features. 
     In an example embodiment, a gear  605  provides a toothed surface used to determine the precise orientation of the ratcheting mechanism  600  at any given time. In an example embodiment, an encoder may be implemented to provide output encoder counts to the microprocessor for position calculation. In an example embodiment, the gear  605  may also be used as a gear multiplier to increase or reduce the speed of the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . 
     In an example embodiment, a ratchet  610  is configured with a plurality of sears to integrate with the at least one pawl  615 . In an example embodiment, the rotation of the ratchet  610  directly drives the drive shaft for the positive-displacement mechanism  500 . In an example embodiment, the pawl  615  is spring loaded to apply pressure against at least one ratchet  610  sear when forces in the opposing direction of desired rotation. 
     In an example embodiment, at least one servo pin connection  620  is configured to provide a removable and/or interchangeable pawl  615  assembly. The servo pin connection  620  may be used to actuate the ratchet  610  in accordance with an example embodiment. 
     In an example embodiment, a power-spring mechanism  700  is integrated in the base housing  115  to apply opposing rotational force against the ratcheting mechanism  600  to rotate the ratchet  610  back against at least one pawl  615  following the disengaging of the servo motor  515 . In an example embodiment, when the servo motor  515  is disengaged, the lack of current flow to the motor produces a free-spin state of the servo motor  515 . In an example embodiment, the power-spring mechanism  700  is used to counter the free-spin state of the disengaged servo motor  515  by resting the ratchet  610  against the at least one pawl  615  (i.e., a known orientation). 
     In an example embodiment, a power-spring housing  705  comprises the power-spring mechanism  700 , providing a containing structure. In an example embodiment, given the nature of an expanding power-spring, the power spring mechanism  700  requires containment to function properly and force the ratchet  610  back against the at least one pawl  615 . In an example embodiment, the power-spring mechanism  700  coils against the internal wall  710  of the power-spring housing  705 . 
       FIG.  5    provides a methodology  800  for automatically dispensing a cleaning solution. In an example embodiment, the methodology  800  comprises the steps required to effectively perform the automated dispensing of a cleaning solution. In an example embodiment, the first step  805  is to acquire the on demand electromechanical dispenser  10 . In an example embodiment, the second step  810  is to place the concentrated cleaning pod  205  into the retained position of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 . For example, a user may place a concentrated cleaning pod  205  into the recess  210  of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  and press the concentrated cleaning pod  205  into the retained position of the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 . Pressing the concentrated cleaning pod  205  into the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200  causes concentrated cleaning solution to be released from the concentrated cleaning pod  205  and provided to the storage reservoir  120 . 
     In various embodiments, a user provides dilution chemical and/or liquid into the storage reservoir  120  prior to pressing the concentrated cleaning pod  205  into the retaining-ejecting mechanism  200 . In various embodiments, the dilution chemical and/or liquid comprises water, ionized water, rubbing alcohol, and/or other solvent. 
     In an example embodiment, the third step  815  is to receive and process a sensor  410  signal indicating an identified dispense trigger. In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  receives signal from at least one sensor  410  following a user providing appropriate motion in front of the at least one sensor  410 . In an example embodiment, the provided sensor  410  is a short-range motion sensor. 
     In an example embodiment, the fourth step  820  is to actuate the pump motor  305  to dispense a single-use amount of cleaning solution from the holding reservoir  315 . In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  actuates the pump motor  305  following the received signal of a dispense trigger identified via the at least one sensor  410 . 
     In an example embodiment, an optional fifth step  825 , provides a feature to actively refill the holding reservoir  315  with contents of the storage reservoir  120  following a desired number of pump motor  305  actuations. In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  activates the servo motor  515  to cause the positive-displacement mechanism  500  to actuate. In an example embodiment, the actuation of the positive-displacement mechanism  500  is configured to transport cleaning solution from the storage reservoir  120  to the holding reservoir  315 . In an example embodiment, the microprocessor  520  causes the holding reservoir  315  to be refilled with cleaning solution from the storage reservoir  120  following the indication of a low-level alert via a sensor  410  disposed in and/or coupled to the holding reservoir  315 . In an example embodiment, indication that the holding reservoir  315  is to be refilled may follow a fluid level sensor in the holding reservoir  315 , a count of dispenses since previous refill, or the like. 
     CONCLUSION 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that, according to the invention, example embodiments relating in general to electromechanical dispensers of cleaning solutions via a positive-displacement mechanism. The provided example embodiments indicate the usefulness of the present invention, allowing a non-user-aided and on-demand electromechanical dispenser of a cleaning solution to minimize financial and carbon footprint costs of cleaning products. 
     While the above drawings and descriptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of this invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.