Water is a vital resource for everyday existence, and ensuring easy and safe access is a priority. Water dispensers are gaining popularity in private homes and public spaces such as offices, schools and gyms, providing a practical and hygienic solution to the need for hydration. With this in mind, innovation in the design and functionality of these devices is crucial to meeting the growing demands for quality, efficiency and safety.
Find out what today's water dispenser manufacturers are focusing on in the Ho.Re.Ca. segment and vending machine segment and what roles light signals can play in the sector. It also explores the innovative lighting solutions SLIM provides. In this article we will discuss:
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Water dispensers: design trends that are revolutionising the market
The field of water distributors has seen a significant transformation in recent years. From simple dispensing tools, the latest models have become truly sophisticated devices offering high standards in terms of ergonomics, safety, energy efficiency and advanced technology.
Ergonomics is a crucial aspect of the design of water dispensers. To ensure ease of use for all categories of users - including children, the elderly and people with disabilities - these instruments feature adjustable heights, large, easy-to-push buttons and automatic dispensing systems that minimise manual intervention. In addition to making the dispensers more accessible, these improvements also simplify maintenance with easy-to-manage refilling and cleaning systems.
The safety of the water supplied and the health of users are primary concerns. This is why modern dispensers are equipped with advanced filters that remove impurities, bacteria and viruses, and are often integrated with UV LED technology which sanitises and prevents the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
Technology integration is turning these tools into smart devices. In response to the growing demand for innovation, more and more Internet-connected models are coming onto the market to monitor product quality in real-time, detect technical problems, send notifications for filter replacement and analyse consumption data to improve operational efficiency. In addition, many units are equipped with touchscreen control panels and intuitive interfaces that make the user experience more pleasant.
The general increase in environmental awareness has made energy efficiency a crucial issue for manufacturers to deal with. The new water dispensers are designed to consume less energy, thanks to more efficient cooling and heating systems, and the use of high-quality insulation materials, which reduce heat loss, keep the water at the desired temperature for longer periods and thus help reduce the overall environmental impact of these devices.
Light signalling for water dispensers: what to focus on?
Light signalling solutions play a key role in the functionality and usability of the device, enhancing its safety and efficiency and providing users with visual information they can immediately understand. Since, therefore, the choice of the type of lighting and its location should not be underestimated, it is essential to rely on professionals in the field, who can support planners, designers and engineers in defining and realising the creative idea.
The colour of the lights is a key element in signalling. LED lights offer a wide range of colours ideal for communicating different states of water supply. For example, a green light may indicate that the dispenser is ready for use, a red light may signal a problem or the need for maintenance, while a blue light may indicate that the water supply is at a specific temperature. While the brightness of the light must be strong enough to be visible even in well-lit rooms, but not so intense as to be bothersome.
The positioning of light signalling solutions on dispensers must be strategic to ensure their visibility from different angles and distances. For example, a light placed near the dispensing spout can inform whether water is about to be dispensed, while a light placed on the control panel can provide information on the general status of the dispenser.
Lighting, however, is not only related to the sphere of functionality but also plays a considerable role in terms of user experience. For example, soft lighting can create a cosy atmosphere around the dispenser, making it more inviting to use. Some advanced models, on the other hand, use dynamic systems that change colour or brightness based on user interaction, creating immediate visual feedback that enhances the interactivity and usability of the device.
In this context, SLIM supports the vending machine sector with a range of quality, Italian-designed lighting components, designed to "give light" and emphasise the features of water dispensers. We offer integrable lighting systems, ranging from signalling to the use of LED micro spotlights for more pronounced illumination to backlighting systems that improve the visibility of specific components, such as the company logo.
UV LED for water sanitisation
One of the latest frontiers in improving the quality of water supplied by dispensers is UV lights, in particular UV LEDs, which, by integrating directly into the water flow, eliminate a wide range of pathogens without the need for chemicals.
It is, therefore, an innovation that offers numerous advantages for water sanitisation. First of all, UV LEDs do not alter the taste or smell of the product, unlike some chemical disinfection methods. In addition, they are very energy efficient, consuming little power and having a long lifetime. They also require little maintenance, reducing operating costs and, as they produce no harmful chemical by-products, are safe for the environment.
The implementation of these lighting systems in water dispensers can be done in different ways. A common solution is to install a UV LED module directly in the dispensing spout, but it is also possible to integrate a UV LED sanitising system in the storage tank. In both cases, the system must be designed in such a way as to ensure uniform and sufficient UV lighting for effective water treatment.
Water safety and the health of users are key priorities; therefore, it is essential to rely on solutions carefully designed by experts in the field. In recent years, we at SLIM have developed significant expertise in the application of this technology and are ready to offer our partners support in the realisation of customised solutions for sanitisation with UV LEDs.
If you need more information on the lighting and signalling systems for water dispensers that we can produce, click on the button below and contact our R&D experts.
