Dispenser Gesture Control Retrofit for Touchless Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices require users to physically touch surfaces, potentially leading to contamination and the need for replacement to enable touchless operation, which is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser system that includes a user interface, processor, and memory to switch between physical interaction and touchless gesture control modes, allowing users to select and dispense products without touching external surfaces, and can be retrofitted onto existing devices using a gesture recognition sensor and accessibility panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing dispensers are used with physical contact controls, then device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but contamination risk increases and accessibility for persons with disabilities is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact controls (buttons, touchscreens) with gesture recognition sensors that detect hand movements and body gestures. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with the dispenser surface, reducing contamination risk while adding sensor-based control systems to manage the transition from mechanical to gesture-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces gesture recognition sensors as an intermediary between the user and the dispenser control system. These sensors detect gestures in the air space around the dispenser and translate them into control commands, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct contact while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If touchless gesture control is added to existing dispensers, then contamination risk is reduced and accessibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between contact and touchless control systems. The dispenser can adapt its operational mode based on user needs, environmental conditions, or hygiene requirements, allowing the system to be more versatile and accessible without permanently complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system that can operate in multiple modes: traditional physical contact mode for standard use, gesture recognition mode for hygiene-critical situations, and hybrid mode combining both. This multi-functionality enhances accessibility and adaptability while sharing common hardware and software resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If gesture recognition sensors are integrated into existing dispensers, then touchless operation is enabled and contamination is reduced, but installation complexity and system integration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the gesture control system into separate functional modules: gesture detection sensors, signal processing unit, and control interface. This modular segmentation allows for easier integration into existing dispensers, as each module can be installed and configured independently, reducing overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses software-based gesture recognition algorithms that can be copied and deployed across different dispenser models without requiring hardware modifications. This software copying approach enables touchless functionality to be added to existing devices through firmware updates, minimizing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables touchless operation of dispensing devices, reducing contamination risks and the need for device replacement, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems through gesture mapping and network-controlled dispensing for visually impaired users.

Implementation Method 1

a gesture recognition sensor configured to detect a plurality gestures within range of the gesture recognition sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGesture recognition:

Data Source

PatentUS20210395070A1Dispensing control system for accommodating persons with disabilities and method

Publication Date: 2021.12.23 BUNN COMMERCIAL LP

AI summary

A dispenser that is configured to switch between a first mode in which the user interacts with external surfaces of the dispenser to make selections and initiate dispensing and a second mode in which the user makes selections and initiates dispensing using gesture controls. In some cases, the gesture control feature could be incorporated into an accessibility panel that can be retrofitted with existing dispensers to add gesture control. In some cases, the dispenser broadcasts an identifier with a wireless beacon that facilitates selection and dispensing of a product.