Electronic soap dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic soap dispensers lack efficient and user-friendly designs for easy operation and maintenance, particularly in terms of distinguishing between proximity and touch inputs for soap dispensing and ensuring reliable electrical connections during refilling.
Innovation Solution
An electronic soap dispenser with a capacitive sensor and controller that differentiates between proximity and touch inputs for adjustable dispensing durations, combined with a releasable electrical connector for easy maintenance and refilling, ensuring seamless communication between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a capacitive sensor is used to detect user presence, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the sensor cannot distinguish between proximity and touch inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the capacitive sensor's detection mode between proximity detection and touch detection based on operational context. The controller switches between different detection thresholds and algorithms to differentiate between a hand approaching the dispenser and actual contact with the dispensing surface, enabling accurate hands-free operation while maintaining input discrimination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor operates with variable detection parameters including adjustable sensitivity thresholds, detection zones, and response time constants. By changing these parameters based on the detected signal characteristics, the system can distinguish between proximity events (weaker capacitive coupling) and touch events (stronger capacitive coupling), resolving the contradiction between hands-free operation and input accuracy.
2Reliability
If the dispensing head is permanently fixed to the mounting deck, then electrical connections remain stable, but maintenance and refilling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is designed as a separable module that can be detached from the mounting deck. Electrical connections are made through removable connectors rather than permanent welds or adhesives. This segmentation allows the dispensing head to be easily removed for cleaning, maintenance, or refilling while maintaining stable electrical contact during normal operation through properly designed connector interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connector system is introduced between the dispensing head and the mounting deck circuit board. This connector serves as a reliable electrical interface that can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without compromising connection stability. The connector design includes features such as spring contacts, shielding, and alignment mechanisms to ensure reliable electrical connection while enabling easy removal for maintenance.
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
The solution provides a user-friendly, hands-free operation with adjustable dispensing modes and easy maintenance by ensuring reliable electrical connections during refilling, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor. The controller is configured to receive an output signal from the capacitive sensor and to distinguish between a proximity output signal from the capacitive sensor when a user is positioned in a detection area near the dispensing head, and a touch output signal from the capacitive sensor when a user touches the dispensing head.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.