Dispenser with Integrated Projector for Dynamic User Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid dispensers lack an effective means to promote product usage and provide user instructions in a visually engaging and dynamic manner, especially in environments like public restrooms where traditional signage may be inadequate or easily defaced.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a projector into the dispenser that projects a light source and image onto a wall or surface, allowing for dynamic display of product information, usage instructions, and reminders to use the product, which can be adjusted or changed easily without physical modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signage is used to provide product information and instructions, then the dispenser can convey basic information, but the signage is easily defaced and lacks visual engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical signage (physical stickers, printed labels) with a projector system that uses optical technology to display information dynamically on the wall surface. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability of physical signage to defacement while enabling rich visual content delivery through projected images and text.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently affixing information to the dispenser surface, the system creates temporary visual copies through projection. The projector renders images and text onto the wall, allowing information to be displayed without physical contact or attachment to the dispenser itself, thereby preventing defacement and enabling easy updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static signage is used, then installation is simple, but the information cannot be easily updated or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical signage installation and replacement with an electronic projection system. Information updates are achieved through digital content changes rather than physical manipulation, eliminating the need to remove, replace, or reattach physical signs while enabling instant content updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed information display to dynamic, programmable content delivery. The projector can display different images, text, and visual content based on programmed sequences, sensor inputs, or user interactions, allowing the information display to adapt and change without physical modifications to the dispenser structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a projector is integrated into the dispenser, then dynamic and engaging information display is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projector functionality with the dispenser structure by integrating the projector unit into the dispenser housing. This combination allows the projection system to leverage the dispenser's existing mounting infrastructure, power supply, and control mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall system complexity compared to a standalone projector installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated projector serves multiple functions: it displays product information, provides usage instructions, delivers promotional content, and can potentially provide environmental or hygiene-related information. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple information delivery needs into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate solutions for each function.
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
Enhances user engagement and product usage by providing a visually appealing and informative display that is more durable and cost-effective than traditional signage, with the ability to adapt messaging based on user interactions or environmental cues.
Implementation Method 1
A lens assembly is disposed in the lens holder and includes a lamp configured to project a light source through the lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser having a projector is disclosed. The projector has a body with a cavity sized and shaped to receive a battery, a lens holders sized and shaped to receive at least one lens for focusing an image, a first protrusion sized and shaped to be received by a first wall of the dispenser, and a second protrusion sized and shaped to be received by a second wall of the dispenser. The projector further includes a lens assembly, a lamp, and a circuit board. The lens assembly is disposed in the lens holder, the lamp is configured to project a light through the lens assembly, and the circuit board is in electrical communication with the lamp.