Automated cleaning solution spray device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applying soap in a shower is strenuous, especially for individuals with physical impairments, leading to reduced cleaning frequency, longer showers, and environmental impact, with issues like contamination and difficulty reaching hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispenser with an oscillating arm assembly and adjustable spray nozzle mounted to a wall, controlled by a module and interface, applies cleaning solution to the user's body, allowing hands-free operation and adjustable settings for coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual soap application is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates for individuals with physical impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The automated soap dispenser performs the soap application task autonomously without requiring manual manipulation by the user. The system self-regulates the dispensing process through programmed oscillation patterns and spray control, eliminating the need for users to physically reach and apply soap themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical soap application with an automated electromechanical system. A motor-driven oscillating arm mechanism substitutes for human hand movements, delivering soap through a nozzle system controlled by a microcontroller, thereby eliminating the need for direct user manipulation.
2Productivity
If manual soap application is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to longer shower times
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating arm mechanism maintains continuous contact with the user's body across multiple body zones during the shower process. The system continuously dispenses soap and moves systematically from one area to another without interruption, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual application and reducing total shower time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic oscillation of the spray arm to adaptively cover different body areas. The oscillation pattern allows the nozzle to dynamically adjust its position and coverage area, efficiently transitioning between body zones and maintaining optimal cleaning coverage throughout the shower process.
3Measurement precision
If manual soap application is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates for covering hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating arm mechanism divides the body cleaning task into discrete positional segments. The system systematically moves the spray nozzle through predetermined positions and oscillation patterns that target specific body areas, ensuring thorough coverage of hard-to-reach zones that would be difficult to access manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces oscillatory motion as an additional dimensional element to the spray delivery system. This oscillation adds a back-and-forth movement dimension to the arm's trajectory, enabling the nozzle to cover broader areas and reach difficult-to-access body regions that a simple linear or stationary spray system could not effectively cover.
4Ease of operation
If automated spray system is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the loss of substance worsens due to potential overspray
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating arm mechanism applies soap with controlled excess coverage to ensure complete area coverage. By oscillating the spray pattern and maintaining continuous motion, the system deliberately applies slightly more soap than minimally required to guarantee no spots are missed, then allows natural drainage and excess to return to the reservoir.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and thorough cleaning of hard-to-reach areas without manual effort, reducing shower time and ensuring cleanliness, while maintaining soap hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump connected to an outlet; operation of a start control of the control module and interface causes the pump to eject cleaning fluid through the hollow channel
Implementation Method 2
a first motor coupled to and configured to rotate the crankshaft; causing oscillation of the arm assembly and nozzle as cleaning solution is ejected
Implementation Method 3
a gear and crankshaft assembly disposed within the housing, oriented with the axis of rotation of the crankshaft and gear being horizontal
Implementation Method 4
a gear and crankshaft assembly disposed within the housing, oriented with the axis of rotation of the crankshaft and gear being horizontal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an automated dispenser and spray device configured to apply a cleaning solution to a user's body in an automated fashion as they take a shower, freeing their hands. The device comprises an oscillating arm assembly of adjustable height with a spray nozzle at the end. Various parameters of the spray can be adjusted to a user's preferences via a control module and interface so that they can simply focus on cleaning themselves as the solution is applied.